High Rock/Badin/Tuckertown Forecast
Darin Brown
For those who don’t mind braving a little cold weather, February can be a great time to catch some slab sized crappies. Drifting or slow trolling over deep water structure is the most widely used technique during this time of year. But if you pick up a couple of nice fish over a piece of structure try vertically fishing a small jig or minnow right over the top of it. This time of year go small with your lure or live bait. If you use live minnows, try the smallest ones you can get on a hook. If you are using jigs try a small 1/32 oz jighead with 1” to 1 1/2” jig body. Often the jigs with the least amount of action can be very productive during this time. Remember the cold water slows the metabolism of the fish down and they will most likely not move far to chase a lure or bait so you may have to put the bait right on the fish. If you are a foot or two off you may never get a bite. Slow your bait down to a crawl and watch for a very light bite. You may not even feel the bite but your line may go slack or move a little to one side.
Striped bass have been actively chasing bait fish on Badin Lake. Most reports are coming from the Beaver Dam Creek area around the islands. The fish seem to be, as usual, more active during cloudy overcast days. Trolling around the area while keeping a watch out for birds actively feeding on the water is a good way to locate them.
Darin Brown – Writes the forecast for High Rock, Badin & Tuckertown Dam
www.hwy49sports.com ~ 704-463-7053
Hwy 49 Sports is located in New London, NC on NC Hwy. 49 near Tuckertown boat launch area. Tuckertown lake is located between two larger lakes (High Rock and Badin Lake) on the Yadkin river chain. The area is very scenic and a great place to fish! The store offers a huge selection of Fishing, Hunting, Camping and Marine items. Although they offer your more common outdoor products at great prices, our specialty is being able to bring you items not found in most large discount stores or outdoor stores.