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Caught a Spotted Bass Fishing Charter in Weldon
Spotted Bass Fishing in Weldon
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The Spotted Bass belongs to the order Perciformes and family Centrarchidae. It typically measures between 20 and 25 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 11 lbs. Habitat: lake, river. - Spotted Bass are also called Spotty or Kentucky Bass. - They have characteristic dark spots in rows along their lower sides. - The body color varies from light green to light brown. - They are frequently confused with Largemouth Bass but have distinguishing features.
Fishing Charter by Captain Chad Keeter in December
Meet your Captain Chad Keeter
- Experience Amazing Fishing on NC Lakes & Rivers!
Summary
Captain Chad Keeter of Southern Sun Guides on Monday August offers diverse fishing opportunities on Lake Gaston from the 5th Street Boat Landing in Weldon. This fishing charter targets spotted bass, largemouth bass, and catfish using proven techniques like bottom fishing, trolling, and casting around structure. Lake Gaston's clear waters and varied depths create ideal conditions for multi-species fishing year-round. The trip accommodates up to 4 guests and includes all necessary gear for a successful day on the water. Whether you're after the characteristic spotted bass with their distinctive dark rows of spots or the hard-fighting catfish in deeper holes, Captain Chad tailors each trip to current conditions and angler preferences. The 5-hour guided experience combines local knowledge with light tackle fishing techniques, making it perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to explore North Carolina's premier lake fishing destination.
Fishing Charter with Captain Chad – Rates & Booking
Captain Chad Keeter of Southern Sun Guides on Monday August provides comprehensive Lake Gaston fishing experiences departing from 5th Street Boat Landing. This 5-hour charter accommodates up to 4 guests and includes all fishing gear, tackle, and local expertise. Captain Chad specializes in multi-species fishing using bottom fishing, trolling, and casting techniques to target the lake's diverse fish population. Rates include licensed guide service, equipment, and access to prime fishing locations throughout Lake Gaston's 20,000 acres. Book online or call to secure your preferred date and discuss specific species preferences.
Highlights of Guided Catfish And Bass Fishing Trip In North Carolina
Lake Gaston offers exceptional year-round fishing with its varied structure, clear waters, and abundant fish population. The trip focuses on spotted bass, largemouth bass, and catfish using techniques matched to current conditions and seasonal patterns. Captain Chad's local knowledge includes the best depths, structure locations, and bait presentations for consistent action. The 5th Street Boat Landing provides convenient access to both shallow flats and deeper channels where different species concentrate throughout the day.
Light tackle fishing keeps the experience engaging while allowing anglers to feel every bite and fight. The diverse approach—from bottom fishing in deeper holes to casting around shoreline structure—ensures productive fishing regardless of conditions. Lake Gaston's reputation for non-stop action makes it ideal for both experienced anglers and families looking for consistent fishing success.
Local Species Insights: Spotted Bass
Spotted bass thrive in Lake Gaston's clear waters and rocky structure, making them a prime target for light tackle fishing. These cylinder-shaped fish display characteristic dark spots in rows along their lower sides, distinguishing them from largemouth bass. They prefer deeper water near structure during summer months, making bottom fishing and jigging highly effective techniques. Captain Chad targets spotted bass around submerged rocks, drop-offs, and creek channels where they ambush prey. The lake's diverse habitat supports healthy spotted bass populations, with fish ranging from 1 to 11 pounds providing exciting fights on light tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Lake Gaston fishing adventure begins at 5th Street Boat Landing in Weldon, where Captain Chad provides all necessary fishing equipment including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. The charter boat accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably with safety equipment and fish storage. Early morning departures take advantage of prime fishing conditions, with the 5-hour trip allowing time to explore multiple fishing spots and techniques. Captain Chad adjusts tactics throughout the day based on fish activity, weather conditions, and guest preferences, ensuring an educational and productive fishing experience on one of North Carolina's premier fishing destinations.
Fishing in Roanoke River: Spotted Bass
The Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus), commonly known as Spotty or Kentucky Bass, belongs to the Centrarchidae family within the order Perciformes. This cylinder-shaped gamefish displays characteristic dark spots arranged in rows along its lower sides, with body coloration ranging from light green to light brown. In Weldon waters this August, spotted bass provide excellent light tackle fishing opportunities around Lake Gaston's diverse structure.
Spotted Bass Overview
Spotted bass are highly sought-after gamefish known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights. They inhabit both lakes and rivers throughout their range, preferring areas with rocky structure, submerged timber, and clear water. Anglers value spotted bass for their willingness to bite various lures and their acrobatic fighting ability when hooked.
Spotted Bass Habitat and Distribution
These bass thrive in clear, well-oxygenated waters with rocky or gravel bottoms. Lake Gaston provides ideal spotted bass habitat with its submerged structure, creek channels, and varying depths. They prefer deeper water than largemouth bass, often relating to drop-offs, points, and underwater humps where they can ambush prey.
Spotted Bass Size and Weight
Spotted bass typically range from 20 to 25 inches in length and weigh between 1 to 11 pounds. Lake Gaston produces quality spotted bass, with fish in the 2-4 pound range being common catches. Larger specimens over 5 pounds are considered trophy fish and provide memorable battles on light tackle.
Spotted Bass Diet and Behavior
Spotted bass are opportunistic predators feeding on crayfish, shad, bluegill, and aquatic insects. They hunt actively during low-light periods and position themselves near structure to ambush passing prey. During summer months, they often suspend in deeper water during midday heat, making them ideal targets for vertical jigging techniques.
Spotted Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. Males construct nests in rocky or gravel areas in shallow water, typically 3-10 feet deep. After spawning, spotted bass move to deeper structure where they remain throughout summer and fall, making them accessible to anglers year-round.
Spotted Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include jigging spoons and grubs around deep structure, casting crankbaits along rocky points, and fishing soft plastics on drop-offs. In August around Weldon, anglers find success using light tackle with 1/4 to 1/2 ounce jigs tipped with trailers, working them slowly along bottom structure where spotted bass concentrate during warmer months.
Spotted Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Spotted bass offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. They contain high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury. Popular cooking methods include grilling, baking, and frying, with the meat holding together well due to its firm texture.
Spotted Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for spotted bass?
A: Jigs with soft plastic trailers, deep-diving crankbaits, and drop-shot rigs with finesse worms work exceptionally well for spotted bass around structure.
Q: Where can I find spotted bass near Weldon?
A: Lake Gaston's rocky points, creek channels, and submerged humps hold spotted bass year-round, with deeper structure being most productive during summer months.
Q: Is spotted bass good to eat?
A: Yes, spotted bass provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor that works well with various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch spotted bass?
A: Early morning and late evening produce the most active feeding, though spotted bass can be caught throughout the day using proper techniques around deep structure.
