Derek Kelly, administrator of the 74,000-member Carolina Inshore Fishing Facebook community, joins Brilliant Fishing NC to share proven strategies for catching one of the most challenging inshore species — the Sheepshead.

In this episode, Derek discusses tackle setups, bait selection, reading structure, and how to detect the light “tap-tap” bite that makes Sheepshead so tricky. You’ll also hear about his background, memorable catches, and tips for fishing the Carolina coast effectively.

Topics covered:

Choosing the right rod, reel, and leader setup

Best baits for Sheepshead: fiddler crabs, barnacles, and urchins

Understanding tides, structure, and seasonal patterns

Hook-set timing and current speed adjustments

Inshore fishing insights from North Carolina waters

Follow Derek’s fishing community on Facebook: Carolina Inshore Fishing

🎣 Brilliant Fishing NC — Real anglers. Real stories. Real Carolina waters.

Sheepshead fishing, inshore fishing, Carolina coast, saltwater fishing, Derek Kelly, Brilliant Fishing NC, fishing podcast, North Carolina fishing

Bundle up and get ready for a winter crappie masterclass!

When water temperatures drop, crappie don’t go deep — they school up in open water, following baitfish across main-lake basins and creek mouths. In this episode, Chris explains how to locate and catch winter crappie using Livescope, traditional sonar, and subtle presentation changes that make all the difference.

📘 What You’ll Learn:

Whether you’re a crappie tournament competitor or a weekend angler chasing slabs, this episode gives you the tools and confidence to stay on the bite all winter long.

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In this episode of Brilliant Fishing, we're joined by Clayton Eudy — rising crappie tournament angler, community builder, and local musician. From learning to fish on Flat Swamp as a kid, to running the High Rock Crappie Club, Clayton brings both wisdom and humor to the world of tournament crappie fishing.

We cover everything from LiveScope tactics and shallow brush piles to building a culture of knowledge-sharing in local fishing circles. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting into tournaments, this episode is packed with insight.

🎣 Topics Covered:

Clayton’s fishing background and first boat adventure

The inspiration and mission behind the High Rock Crappie Club

LiveScope strategy and screen setup (Garmin 126 vs 106)

Breaking down brush piles, fish behavior, and sonar interpretation

How pontoon boats (accidentally) help flush fish

Building a better fishing community through accessibility and knowledge

Why $25 tournaments are bringing more people into the sport

📍 Check out the High Rock Crappie Club on Facebook

Watch. Learn. Fish brilliantly.

#CrappieFishing #BrilliantFishingNC #ClaytonEudy #LiveScopeTips #HighRockLake #CrappieTournaments #SlabFishing #FishingPodcast #FishingCommunity

In this powerful episode of Brilliant Fishing NC, we sit down with Terry Snyder, founder of Operation North State (ONS) — a life-changing nonprofit dedicated to providing fishing trips and outdoor outings for disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

🎖️ Learn how ONS got started, who they serve, and how host boaters play a crucial role in making these special events possible. Terry also shares inspiring stories from the water, upcoming events, and how YOU can get involved.

👉 Visit Operation North State: http://www.operationnorthstate.com

📘 Follow ONS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064508029916

🙏 Whether you're a veteran, angler, or someone who cares about our service members, this episode is a must-watch.

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more fishing content and inspiring stories!

#BrilliantFishingNC #FishingPodcast #OperationNorthState

This episode is WOOO-packed with energy as Ralphie Hollifield—fishing guide, content creator, and all-around legend—shows up in a Ric Flair costume and drops some serious crappie fishing knowledge! 🏆🎣

We dive into:

This interview is full of laughs, expert insights, and high-energy storytelling that will make you a better angler. Whether you love crappie fishing, live bait tactics, or just a good fish story, this one’s for you!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fishing adventures!

📍 Follow Ralphie Hollifield:

RP Fishing on Youtube:

Ralphie’s biggest Crappie, on video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4pnut4m0l8

RP fishing in TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@rpfishing?_t=ZP-8v8wx7tAZR8&_r=1

📍 Follow Brilliant Fishing NC:

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/brilliantfishing

Smelly Jelly, Shad (370) 

https://amzn.to/4iOGzGP 

Kevin’s custom hair jigs:

https://www.facebook.com/kevinscustomcrappiecatchers

South River Baits: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054422880204

#CrappieFishing #FishingSecrets #LiveSonar #SlabCrappie #FishingPodcast #RicFlair #BigFish #FishingTips #FaithAndFishing #FishingLegends

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of fishing below dams? In this exclusive interview, retired game warden Tony Sharum shares decades of experience fishing with live bait—threadfin and gizzard shad—to catch monster catfish and striped bass.

https://cubecarolinas.com/lake-levels/

https://www.facebook.com/shadnator

🚀 Topics Covered:

✔️ Best rigs and techniques for live bait fishing

✔️ How to catch and keep shad alive

✔️ Water safety tips when fishing below a dam

✔️ Insider stories from a lifetime on the water

✔️ Fishing legends- "Catfish as big as Volkswagens' & more!

Don’t miss these expert tips that will level up your fishing game! 🎣💥

🔔 Subscribe to Brilliant Fishing NC for more expert fishing interviews and tips!

#Fishing #CatfishFishing #StriperFishing #LiveBait #FishingTips #BrilliantFishingNC

The National Crappie League is bringing its Wild Card Tournament to High Rock Lake, but there’s a major twist—water levels are at significantly low levels! In this episode of Brilliant Fishing NC, we break down how this changes everything for anglers competing in the event. Will the usual trophy crappie spots be off-limits? How will anglers adjust their strategy? If you’re fishing this tournament or just love crappie fishing, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! Plus, Jason will share an update on the channel, where we are headed next, as well as a devotional thought.

🚀 Subscribe for more expert fishing insights!

👍 Like & Comment: How do you think low water will affect the tournament?

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

Visit nationalcrappieleague.com for more information on this tournament! 

#CrappieFishing #NationalCrappieLeague #HighRockLake #FishingTournament #CrappieFishingTips #LowWaterFishing #FishingPodcast #FishingStrategy #BigCrappie #FishingNC #TrophyCrappie #ForwardFacingSonar #CrappieFishing2025 #FishingNews #LexingtonNCFishing

Join us for a special episode of Brilliant Fishing NC as we sit down with Kevin Blevins, a seasoned crappie angler who’s making waves in the fishing world. Kevin shares his journey from early fishing memories to becoming a respected name in tournament crappie fishing. We dive deep into the story behind his jaw-dropping 4+ pound crappie at High Rock Lake and explore his goals and challenges for 2025. Get expert tips, inspiring stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a dedicated crappie angler. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

https://www.carolinasportsman.com/fishing/freshwater-fishing/crappie/high-rock-anglers-catches-4-pound-crappie/?fbclid=IwY2xjawH87M5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVvVbYD-8tQiexQErGvsaK4vBvhKkAf3qdUX4ea27DnGg8pkJk1dHL1S9Q_aem_31Gn_-67DMZcG6a_ZlvHxg

#crappiefishing #trophycrappie #bigcrappie #highrocklakefishing #howtocatchbigcrappie #crappiefishingtips

In this episode, we dive deep into the data and discoveries from our collaboration with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s biologist and crappie guide Chris Miller. 🎣

Join us for a laid-back, podcast-style conversation with Chris Hammill, the Yadkin River’s favorite fishing expert and a true outdoorsman. In this episode, we dive into the best fishing opportunities on the Yadkin River chain of lakes this Fall and Winter. From targeting trophy catfish to landing slabs of crappie, Chris shares insider tips to help every angler succeed. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, this chat is packed with advice, stories, and actionable tips you don’t want to miss. Tune in and learn from one of the most well-rounded outdoorsmen in our area!