World-Class Sunset Fishing on Lake Gaston

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

100 Rockfish Dr, Weldon, NC, USA
$175 - $600 price range

Summary

Looking for a relaxing evening on the water? Join us for a sunset fishing trip on Lake Gaston or Roanoke Rapids Lake. We'll head out as the day winds down, giving you a chance to cast your line and take in the beautiful colors of the sky. Our target fish include striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish – but if you've got a specific catch in mind, just let us know and we'll see what's biting. This laid-back trip is perfect for groups of up to four, whether you're seasoned anglers or just getting started. As the sun dips below the horizon, you'll experience the peaceful transition from day to night on the water. It's a great way to unwind and potentially land some impressive fish. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture those golden hour moments and, hopefully, your prize catch. With Southern Sun Guides, you're in for a memorable evening of fishing and scenery.

World-Class Sunset Fishing on Lake Gaston

Sunset Catches and Views

Two anglers with a catch of Atlantic Croaker and Striped Bass measuring 17 inches in Weldon

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7 largemouth bass and spotted bass caught fishing in NC

2 freshwater drum and striped bass fish in Weldon

Sunset Lake Adventure: Bass & Catfish Bonanza

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready for an evening of pure fishing bliss? Our Sunset Lake Adventure is the real deal - we're talking prime-time action on Lake Gaston or Roanoke Rapids Lake as the sun dips low. Whether you're itching to battle some hard-fighting stripers or looking to land a trophy largemouth, we've got you covered. And let's not forget those whiskered monsters lurking in the depths. This trip is all about variety, killer views, and filling the livewell as day turns to night.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out onto glassy waters, rod in hand, as the sky lights up with those golden hour colors. We'll hit our secret spots just as the fish start getting frisky for their evening feed. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's the perfect setup for a family outing or a friendly fishing face-off. No grub provided on this one, folks, so pack some snacks to keep your energy up - trust me, you'll need it when that big one strikes! Whether you're dead-set on targeting stripers or want to mix it up with some bass and cats, just give us a shout. We'll check the recent bite and tailor the trip to what's hot.

Techniques & Tactics

Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting, we might be slinging topwater lures for largemouth as they smash bait in the shallows, or dropping live bait deep for those line-peeling stripers. For the catfish crew, we'll set up with some stink bait or cut bait and wait for those rod tips to bounce. We've got all the gear you need, from spinning setups to baitcasters, and enough tackle to cover all bases. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through every cast, retrieve, and hookset. And for you seasoned anglers, feel free to bring your favorite rod along if you've got a lucky stick.

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've had folks pulling in stripers pushing the 20-pound mark, largemouth that'll make your arms ache, and cats big enough to make you question your line strength. But it's not just about size - watching a novice angler's face light up when they land their first bass? That's what keeps us coming back day after day. Every trip's different, and that's the beauty of it. One evening you might be in a topwater frenzy, the next you're battling cats in the deep. It's always an adventure out here.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth Bass: The kings of the lake, no doubt. These bucket-mouths love to hang around structure, ambushing prey with explosive strikes. In the evening, look for them crushing bait on the surface - it's a sight to behold. They average 2-4 pounds here, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 7+ pounder. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer evenings can be red hot too.

Spotted Bass: Often overlooked, these scrappy fighters punch way above their weight. They're like largemouth's hyper little brothers, usually hanging out in slightly deeper water. They love to chase shad and will hit just about any lure you throw their way. Expect most spots to be in the 1-3 pound range, but they fight like they're twice that size.

Striped Bass: Now we're talking about some serious pulling power. These lake-run stripers are like freight trains with fins. They school up and hunt in open water, so when you find them, hold on tight. We typically see fish in the 5-15 pound class, but 20+ pounders aren't uncommon. They're most active in cooler months, but summer evenings can produce some epic topwater blowups.

Channel Catfish: The perfect target for a relaxed evening of bottom fishing. These whiskered wanderers cruise the lake floor, following their noses to any stinky bait you put down there. Most channel cats we catch are in the 2-5 pound range, but 10+ pounders show up regularly. They're active year-round, but really turn on when the water warms up in late spring.

Blue Catfish: The heavyweight champs of our lakes. Blues can grow to massive sizes, with some topping 50 pounds or more. They're not as common as channels, but when you hook one, you'll know it. These brutes prefer deeper water and larger baits. Fall and winter are prime seasons for trophy blues, but big ones are caught year-round.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but it's more than that. It's about that moment when the sun starts to set, painting the sky in colors you didn't even know existed. It's the peaceful quiet broken only by the splash of feeding fish. It's the stories and laughs shared between casts. And yeah, it's about that heart-stopping moment when your line goes tight and you know you're in for a fight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, there's something magical about being out on these lakes as day turns to night. Plus, with the variety of fish we target, every trip is a new adventure. You never know if you'll be battling a trophy bass or pulling in cats all night long.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, here's the deal. Our Sunset Lake Adventures fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing North Carolina has to offer, don't wait. Give us a call, and we'll get you set up with everything you need. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, put some fish in the cooler, or just enjoy a beautiful evening on the lake, we've got you covered. Remember, we can customize the trip to target your preferred species, so don't be shy about letting us know what you're after. Trust me, once you experience a sunset out here with a bent rod in your hands, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and make some fishing memories!

Learn more about the species

Striped Bass

Striped bass are the heavyweight champions of our lakes. These powerful fish can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50. They're open-water roamers, so look for them chasing bait schools or hanging near deep structure. Stripers are most active in cooler months, especially fall and spring. They're famous for their hard runs and stamina when hooked. Anglers love the challenge and the potential for a true trophy. To target them, try trolling with live bait or casting big topwater lures at dawn. Stripers are excellent eating too. My insider tip: watch for diving birds – they'll often lead you right to feeding stripers. Just be ready for a workout when you hook into one of these bruisers.

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass are often mistaken for largemouth, but they're a unique challenge. Averaging 1-3 pounds, these feisty fish prefer clearer, cooler water with rocky or gravel bottoms. You'll find them along bluff walls, points, and submerged timber. Spots are aggressive and school up, so where you catch one, there's likely more. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love their hard-fighting nature – pound for pound, they out-battle their largemouth cousins. To catch spots, try finesse tactics like drop-shotting or throwing small crankbaits. They're great eating too. Here's a local trick: when the bite is tough, downsize your lures and go with natural colors. These fish have keen eyes and can be picky.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the rockstars of our lakes. These aggressive predators average 2-5 pounds but can top 10. Look for them around submerged logs, weed edges, and docks. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially in summer. Largemouth put up an exciting fight, often leaping from the water when hooked. Their size and fight make them a favorite target. To land a big one, try slow-rolling a spinnerbait along drop-offs or working a plastic worm through vegetation. These fish have great eyesight, so use natural colors in clear water. In fall, focus on shallow flats where they chase baitfish. Largemouth aren't the best eating, but they're a blast to catch and release. My local tip: on calm evenings, nothing beats topwater lures for explosive strikes.

Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are the giants of our catfish world. These behemoths can top 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. They prefer deep, flowing water in main lake channels and river sections. Blues are most active in cooler months, especially fall and winter. Anglers target them for the sheer thrill of battling a freshwater monster. They're incredibly strong and can strip line from your reel in seconds. To catch blues, use fresh cut bait like shad or skipjack on heavy tackle. Fish deep holes or find underwater ledges where current breaks. Blues are good eating when smaller, but the big ones are often released. Here's a pro tip: use circle hooks for better hookups and easier releases. And hang on tight – when a big blue hits, it's like trying to stop a freight train.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are the bread and butter of night fishing. These whiskered bottom-dwellers average 2-4 pounds but can reach 20+. You'll find them in deeper holes, near structure, and along channel edges. They're active year-round but really turn on during warm summer nights. Catfish are known for their strong, steady fight and their excellent table fare. Anglers enjoy the relaxed pace of catfishing and the anticipation of a big run. To catch them, try stinkbaits, cut bait, or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Here's a local secret: after a heavy rain, fish the incoming creeks where muddy water meets the lake. Catfish will be there feeding on washed-in food. Just be prepared – when a big one takes your bait, it'll feel like you've hooked a submarine.

About the Southern Sun Guides

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 27

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Ready for a laid-back evening on the water? Join us for a sunset fishing trip on Lake Gaston or Roanoke Rapids Lake. As the day winds down, we'll cast our lines for a variety of fish, including striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. The peaceful lake setting provides the perfect backdrop for both experienced anglers and newcomers alike. Watch the sky transform into a palette of warm colors while you wait for the next big catch. If you have a particular fish in mind, give us a call, and we'll let you know how the bite has been lately. With room for up to four guests, it's an ideal outing for friends or family looking to unwind and enjoy nature's show. Don't forget your camera – the sunset views are just as impressive as the fish you might reel in!

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