Roanoke River Shad and Rockfishing

Season:

If you have ever dreamed of catching 80-100 fish a day, then you should fish the Roanoke River in the spring.  Our season begins in mid-march with the first showing of American and Hickory Shad.  The shad has often been called the “poor man’s tarpon” for its ability to jump out of the water and make screaming runs. It is truly a great fighting fish on light to ultralight conventional or fly tackle.  The shad run continues through early April and ends with the onslaught of the striped bass spawning run in early April which usually peaks in mid-late April and continues throughout May. Anglers are allowed to keep 2 fish/day/person from 18-22 inches in length until April 30.  May kicks off the catch and release season with great topwater action in early mornings and late evenings and excellent fly fishing.

Cost and Deposit Policy:

The cost for a full day trip is $550 (6am – 4pm).  We carry a maximum of 4 people.  To confirm bookings, a 50% deposit is required within 7 days of booking the trip.  Advanced bookings are encouraged because we get full.  Trips booked within 2 weeks of the date of the trip must be paid in full to secure the reservation.  Deposits are non-refundable but can be used as a credit for a rescheduled trip if canceled greater than 21 days before the trip.  We offer 100% refunds for weather cancellations.  Please call Capt. Richard Andrews at (919) 397-6798 to book your trip.

Guides:

Our experienced captains are USCG licensed and have fished the Roanoke River for the majority of their lives, and know how to put you in the fish.

Boats:

We use a large, comfortable 24 foot May Craft center console and a 19 foot Kencraft Challenger center console for our Roanoke River fishing trips.  Each can comfortably fish up to 4 people.

Tackle:

We provide 6-12 pound medium action spinning tackle and 12-20 pound medium baitcasting tackle.  Our fly rods are 8 weights with 350-450 grain sink tip fly line depending on water level.  We encourage fly anglers to bring their own gear, as we all know that fly fisherman are often gear hounds.

License:

A NC Freshwater Fishing License is required.  It can be purchased at most tackle shops or you can call 1-888-2HUNTFISH (248-6834).

What to Bring:

You should bring a cooler iced with drinks and sandwiches, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and rain-gear.

Where to Stay/Area Accomodations:

Sleep Inn (252)  537-3141
Hampton Inn (252) 537-7555
These are located along exit 173 off of I-95