Written by Christina Gordon Tuesday, 13 April 2010 13:13

Week of April 16, 2010

By Rick Goines

The Second Annual Rockfish Rodeo on the Roanoke River in Weldon is scheduled for Saturday April 24^th.  All proceeds from this tournament will directly benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Halifax County.  Registration is $40 per person in advance, and $50 on the day of the event.  Under 16 youth division is $25.  You can win cash prizes, fishing gear, even a chance to win a new boat, motor, and trailer courtesy of Davis Marine, Roanoke Rapids, NC.   Lunch will be provided at Weldon Wildlife Boat Landing.  A copy of official tournament rules and more contact information can be found at www.halifaxbgc.org 

It is not by chance that this tournament is being held the same day as the John Cherry Memorial Rockfish Rodeo on the Tar in Tarboro.  All things being equal Saturday April 24^th SHOULD be a very productive Rockfish day in both the Tar and Roanoke Rivers.  Both of these tournaments are well organized and well run, by good people.  Proceeds from both tournaments go towards very worthwhile projects.  Pick one out that works for you, and join the fun!  The only thing that could upset the apple cart would be an unforeseen storm that would shake things up.  Keep your fingers crossed the weather gods are kind to us.

Weldon bills itself “The Rockfish Capital of the World,” and for most of April and May that is a hard fact to dispute.  People travel long distances to get in on that exciting Rockfish action.  Catches of 100 fish a day are not uncommon in late April and early May.  Down by the Big Rock, boats are lined up like somebody is giving away something free.  In a way, I guess they are:  Free access to thousands of Striped Bass, Rockfish! It’s hard for some of my Maryland friends to comprehend the Rockfish action we enjoy in eastern NC each spring.  They think the Chesapeake Bay has about 95% of the world’s Rockfish population and activity.

I tease family and friends and tell them to send my mail to Weldon during rockfish season.  Honestly, I DO spend a lot of time in Weldon during April and May.  I prefer to use the services of professional guides on the Roanoke River.  Two of the very best are George Beckwith and Mike Shearin.  You can’t go wrong with either of these experienced pros.

Almost 20 years ago, George Beckwith introduced me to the spring Rockfish action on the Roanoke River in Weldon.   George and his host of quality, knowledgeable captains at Down East Guide Service are second to none in my book.  Give them a call at (252) 671-3474.

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting and fishing with Mike Shearin.  One very memorable day last season, I caught a 33+ pound Rockfish fishing with him.  Captain Mike is a local boy that grew up fishing the Roanoke River and knows it well.  He operates several very comfortable pontoon boats that cater to larger groups, families, and children.  Mike is all about catching fish and having fun.  Book Mike at (252) 537-9364.

If you are heading to Weldon, your first stop needs to be at Roanoke River Trading Company.  Owners Reed and Sharon Garris have a well-stocked store with everything you need for a successful outing.  If they haven’t got it, you don’t need it!  Chubby Birdsong is the man with the plan at RRTC, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with you.  I like to consult Chubby because he will give you the straight scoop.  They answer the phone at (252) 536-5160.

Hotspot of the Week – Tarboro shad fishing has slowed w-a-y down.  Some of my “experts” are saying the run is over for this year.  I hope not, but I haven’t caught a “Hick” in Tarboro since last week.  The Tar River in Rocky Mount is still producing some White Shad action.  Not like it was several weeks ago, but a few fish now and then to keep it interesting.  I have had a little luck at the boat ramp in Battle Park, and at the pipe on Hwy 97 across from the wastewater treatment plant.  Not great fishing, but OK!   Jimmy D Custom Shad Rigs, green on green on green continue to fool those “Whites.”  Fishing is a little slow, but it sure beats daytime TV, and working on that honey-do punch list.   I plan to keep going back, weather permitting, until I get skunked, at which time I will hang-up my shad rigs until next season.

Rick’s Soapbox – Take advantage of this beautiful weather, and take a youngster out fishing.  It could start a lifetime of healthy recreation.   Teach them to fish now, and maybe you won’t have to fish them out of trouble later.   Fishing is the largest participation sport/activity in the good old US of A.  Must be a reason for that, huh?

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See you on the water, my friend!