Want to Experience a Once in a Lifetime Fishing Trip? Don’t Overlook Eastern North Carolina.
By: Lindsay Gault, Editor of the Small Water Sportsman
Working in the outdoor industry, I’ve been able to connect with many wonderful people - hunting guides, fishing captains, industry experts - you name it. It has many perks and one of my favorites is listening to the outdoor adventure stories each person has. My boss, Frank Jones has always shared stories of his bucket list fishing adventures with his friend named Scooter Lilley. Frank’s most memorable times with Scooter are during his early spring striped bass fishing trips on the upper Roanoke River. Frank would boast about catching over 100 fish in a day and recommend I experience it for myself since I had never fished for Stripers, or with an inshore charter before, let alone on the Roanoke River. Though it was early June at the time, I gave Scooter a call to see if he could squeeze me in for a late season Striper trip and sure enough I got the chance to go two weeks later.
Growing up hunting and fishing in North Carolina, I’ve fished farm ponds, lakes, creeks, the ICW, surf, and offshore, but never really got around to fishing rivers. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was ready. I packed some gear for the trip since the weather was calling for all day rain and headed out early in the morning. The trip down to Williamston was peaceful and I even watched a beautiful sorbet colored sunrise. Once I arrived, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky so I ditched my rain suit and waited at the dock for Scooter. The water couldn’t have been any more calm, it was dark and looked like glass - I couldn’t wait to get out there!
Since I’m used to seeing the smaller rivers near central North Carolina, I didn’t understand how fishing the Roanoke River would be until got on the water. We cruised around and scoped out a few places for me to throw the first cast. My second throw was golden and I snagged my first Striped Bass of the day! They definitely have more fight than your typical Largemouth Bass and I was ready for my next one! I caught a couple more and then we moved on to the next spot up the river.
We snagged a few more Stripers, travelled to a few more spots, and noticed the catching was slowing down - it was only 10 am, which made Scooter frustrated that he couldn’t put me on them! After a couple more locations, we landed on a school of fish and knew we were bound to catch something! No luck.
A storm started brewing in the distance and I was kicking myself for leaving my gear in my car. By this time I had only caught roughly 15 fish and had doubts about Frank’s ‘Striped Bass Bonanza’ experience. Not wanting to call off the trip so soon, we stuck it out as long as we could. By the Grace of God the storm ended up skirting around the area we were in without raining on us. The sun came out and we headed on to another one of Scooter’s “money” spots.
Working this shoreline, Scooter told me to cast under trees, behind logs, in-between fallen trees, and let me tell you - I caught a fish EVERY SINGLE CAST. It’s as if our luck took a complete 180! I had never seen anything like it! Cast after cast, Scooter and I reeled in Stripers, sometimes catching them within a foot apart of each other simultaneously! We ended up fishing this entire shoreline the rest of the afternoon, well past 2:00. I say I only stopped because my arms and wrists were going to fall off, and I’m sure Scooter was tired of unhooking every fish - trust me I would have kept fishing if I could. It’s safe to say we caught over 60 Stripers and definitely made up from our lull earlier that morning.
I had the best time inshore fishing with Capt. Scooter and I’m already planning for a winter and/or early spring Striper trip, when the action really heats up! Even though I fished late in the season when Stripers were making their way down the Roanoke River, I had an absolute blast. Scooter was determined to put me on the fish and he did just that. He is one of the most experienced charters I have ever fished with. Scooter grew up on these waters and knows them like the back of his hand.
Whether you live near the area or are looking to fish a new destination - don’t overlook everything eastern North Carolina has to offer. Whether you’re fishing for Striped Bass, Red Drum, Bull Drum, Largemouth Bass, Speckled Trout, Flounder - Capt. Scooter Lilley knows the spot.
Call Capt. Scooter Lilley of CWW Charters to book your spot for the upcoming winter and spring Striped Bass trips, they fill up fast and are a trip of a lifetime. I can’t wait to experience the early, cold weather fishing action with Scooter and I hope to hear more of your stories.
CWW Charters: (252) 799-9536, cwwcharters@gmail.com
For charter inquires you can also fill out his contact form on his website at cwwcharters.com
About Lindsay Gault and Small Water Sportsman
My name is Lindsay and I am currently the Director of Marketing and Business Development for Freedom Electric Marine and Small Water Sportsman. I am also the Editor for Small Water Sportsman’s website and monthly newsletter.
My passion for the outdoors is deeply ingrained in who I am. I grew up hunting, fishing, and spending my time being “outdoorsy.” Whether it’s bow hunting, fly fishing, or just a day on the water - I’m down for it! I encourage others to build a connection with the outdoors like I have. From educating yourself about your local fisheries and conservation, volunteering in your local community, to immersing yourself and trying out a new hobby. There’s a way for all of us to make a difference and why not encourage others to do so along the way? Grab a friend and get outside!
Contact Lindsay: lindsay@smallwatersportsman.com