Best Striped Bass Fishing | Roanoke River

Reel in Trophy Stripers on the Roanoke River

Get ready for a top-notch fishing adventure on North Carolina's Roanoke River! This 5-hour trip out of Weldon puts you right in the heart of some of the best striped bass action on the East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, you'll have a blast chasing after hard-fighting stripers in this legendary fishery. Our experienced guides know all the honey holes and will put you on fish, making for an unforgettable day on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at the Weldon boat ramp, where your guide will have the boat prepped and ready to go. After a quick safety briefing, we'll hit the water and start hunting for stripers. The upper Roanoke is known for its scenic beauty, so keep an eye out for wildlife as we cruise to our first fishing spot. Your guide will get you set up with rods, reels, and the hottest lures for the day. Then it's time to start casting! We'll use a mix of techniques like trolling, casting plugs, and live bait fishing to put you on the fish. When a big striper hits, hold on tight – these fish put up an awesome fight!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks come from all over to fish the Roanoke, and for good reason. The striper run here is legendary, with trophy-sized fish pushing 40+ pounds not uncommon. But it's not just about the fish – the whole experience of being out on this beautiful river is something special. You'll get to soak in the peaceful scenery, learn some new fishing tricks from your guide, and make memories with friends and family. Plus, there's nothing like the rush when a big striper slams your lure and starts peeling drag. Whether you're looking to land your personal best or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this trip delivers.

Top Catches This Season

Our boats have been absolutely crushing the stripers this year! We've been seeing consistent catches in the 10-20 pound range, with quite a few pushing 30+ pounds. One lucky angler even landed a 42-pounder last month – talk about a fish of a lifetime! While we can't guarantee monsters like that every trip, the action has been hot and steady. Most days we're boating 15-30 fish per trip, with the best fishing typically happening in the spring and fall runs. Don't worry if you're new to fishing though – your guide will walk you through everything and make sure you have a great time, regardless of your skill level.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The star of the show on the Roanoke, stripers (also called rockfish) are hard-fighting gamefish that will test your angling skills. These fish can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-30 pounders being fairly common and true giants pushing 50+ pounds possible. Stripers are anadromous, meaning they live in the ocean but return to freshwater to spawn. The Roanoke sees huge runs of stripers in the spring as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds.

Stripers are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. When hooked, they'll often make blistering runs and even leap clear out of the water. Their white, flaky meat is also delicious – perfect for a fish fry if you decide to keep a few for the table (within regulations, of course).

The best time to target Roanoke River stripers is during the spring run, typically from March through May. Fall can also offer excellent fishing as the stripers move back downriver. These fish are structure-oriented, so we'll focus on fishing around drop-offs, current seams, and submerged logs where they like to ambush prey.

Gear Up for Success

No need to worry about bringing your own tackle – we've got you covered with top-quality rods, reels, and lures specifically chosen for Roanoke River stripers. We typically use medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting setups spooled with 20-30 lb test line. Popular lures include soft plastic swimbaits, topwater plugs, and diving crankbaits that imitate the stripers' favorite baitfish.

While we provide all the fishing gear, there are a few things you'll want to bring along: - Valid North Carolina fishing license (available online or at local tackle shops) - Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key) - Rain gear (just in case) - Sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses - Camera to capture your catch - Cooler with snacks and drinks (no glass containers) - Fish cooler if you plan to keep your catch

Your guide will have plenty of ice on board to keep any fish you want to take home fresh. And don't forget – our trips are catch-and-release friendly if you prefer to let 'em go!

Local Know-How

Weldon, NC isn't called the "Rockfish Capital of the World" for nothing! This small town comes alive during striper season, with anglers from all over flocking to get in on the action. While you're in town, be sure to check out some local hotspots:

- Grab breakfast at the Riverside Cafe before your trip – their biscuits and gravy are legendary - Stock up on tackle and local intel at Weldon Bait & Tackle - After your trip, celebrate your catch with a cold one at River Falls Brewing Company - For a taste of local history, swing by the Roanoke Canal Museum

Your guide will be happy to share more local tips and favorite spots – just ask!

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of the best striper fishing the East Coast has to offer? Our 5-hour trips are perfect for both seasoned anglers and families looking for a fun day on the water. With all gear provided and expert guidance, you're set up for an awesome fishing adventure.

Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy striper or just want to make some great memories, we've got you covered. Bring your fishing buddy or the whole family – our boats can accommodate up to 4 anglers comfortably. And if you've got a bigger group, no worries! We can set up multiple boats with our network of top-notch local guides.

So what are you waiting for? The stripers are biting, and adventure is calling. Book your Roanoke River fishing trip today and get ready to make some unforgettable memories on the water. Tight lines!