One of the biggest questions new anglers ask is simple: Where can I go fishing?

In this episode of the Brilliant Fishing NC Podcast, I talk about how to find new fishing spots, especially when you’re new to a lake, new to fishing, or just trying to be more successful with your time on the water.

We’ll talk about why finding fish is not just about getting someone’s secret spot, but learning the patterns behind why fish are where they are. We’ll also discuss the unwritten etiquette among anglers when it comes to sharing spots, asking good questions, hiring guides, studying maps, spending time on the water, and using waypoints the right way.

I also share why Brilliant Fishing NC has created a free Yadkin Lakes waypoint package to help anglers get started on High Rock, Tuckertown, Badin, and Tillery. These are not secret honey holes or guarantees — they are starter points to help you learn the lakes, understand structure, and build your own confidence.

You can download the free Yadkin Lakes waypoint package at the Brilliant Fishing NC website.

We also offer other waypoint data packages and custom waypoint packages for anglers who want help getting oriented on new freshwater or saltwater areas.

In this episode:

The goal is simple: to help you spend less time wondering where to start and more time learning, catching fish, and enjoying your time on the water.

Visit the Brilliant Fishing NC website to download the free waypoint package or request a custom package for your area.

#BrilliantFishingNC #FishingSpots #YadkinLakes #HighRockLake #BadinLake #TuckertownLake #LakeTillery #CrappieFishing #FishingWaypoints #NorthCarolinaFishing

High Rock Lake crappie fishing doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode of the Brilliant Fishing NC Podcast, Captain Butch Foster of Yeah Right Charters shares his simple, highly effective system for catching crappie on High Rock Lake using short rods, live minnows, precise boat positioning, and modern electronics like LiveScope. A Davidson County native and longtime charter captain, Butch spent decades running saltwater trips out of Southport, NC before returning home and focusing on family-friendly freshwater trips. Alongside his wife Barbara, he now guides relaxed, cooler-filling crappie trips designed for families, kids, and anglers of all experience levels. In this conversation, we cover:

• Why he parks directly over brush piles (and why it works)

• How he uses LiveScope to set up on structure

• Managing fishing pressure during back-to-back guide trips • Tackle breakdown: rods, reels, line, hooks, and weights

• Teaching first-time anglers how to catch fish quickly

If you fish High Rock Lake for crappie — or want to — this episode will give you practical insight from a guide with decades of experience on the water.

🎣 Book a Trip with Captain Butch Foster Yeah Right Charters

📞 (336) 309-5900

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yeahrightcharters

🛒 Check Out My Tackle & Gear Recommendations

Brilliant Fishing NC Online Tackle Store:

👉 https://linktr.ee/jwbrilliant

If you enjoy North Carolina crappie fishing content, be sure to subscribe to Brilliant Fishing NC for more in-depth interviews, fishing strategies, and local lake insights.

When black crappie shut down, finesse is the difference. Black crappie are notorious for being tight-lipped—especially on pressured lakes where they dominate the population. In this episode of Brilliant Fishing NC, we sit down with two highly knowledgeable crappie anglers to break down what actually works when black crappie refuse to bite. From summer brush piles to suspended open-water schools, this conversation focuses on the subtle adjustments that matter most: presentation speed, jig size and fall rate, electronics decisions, and finesse tactics that can turn lookers into biters.

🎙️ Guests on this episode:

* Scott Ferguson – Fishing With Fergy Charters (contact info below)

* George Rusiewicz – Local angler known for hand-tying his own crappie jigs (contact info below)

Together, we discuss: * Why black crappie are often tougher to catch than whites

* How to approach brush piles when fish won’t commit * Triggering bites from suspended, open-water crappie

* Downsizing vs speed changes when the bite gets finicky

* Jig construction, fall rate, and subtle movement strategies If you primarily fish lakes dominated by black crappie, this episode is packed with practical insight you can apply immediately—especially when the screen is full of fish, but nobody’s biting.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

🎣 Brilliant Fishing Online Tackle Store

Products I personally use and trust👉 https://tr.ee/w2Sbah

🧵 George Rusiewicz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.rusiewicz.2025

Phone: 336-465-4642

🚤 Scott Ferguson – Fishing With Fergy Charters

https://fishingwithfergy.com

Phone: (704) 650-5888

🎥 Catchin Kevin (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/@catchinkevin

🌲 NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Program https://gooutside.nc.gov

🇺🇸 Operation North State- Supporting disabled veterans through outdoor experiences http://www.operationnorthstate.com

👍 If this episode helps you catch more black crappie during tough conditions, like, subscribe, and share it with a fishing buddy who’s been struggling lately.

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.

crappie fishing, winter crappie, open water crappie, cold water crappie, wintertime fishing, crappie tips, crappie tactics, crappie podcast, Chris Hammill, Brilliant Fishing Podcast, North Carolina crappie fishing, High Rock Lake crappie, LiveScope crappie, crappie jigging, crappie electronics, crappie tackle, crappie strategies, slab crappie, winter fishing techniques, suspended crappie, brilliant fishing nc, fishing podcast, winter fishing gear, fishing techniques, fishing tips

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