Brilliant Fishing NC

brilliantfishingnc
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Daily

Family-friendly podcast where we pick the brains of those who are ’in-the-know’ about fishing North Carolina’s lakes, rivers and beaches.

  1. Feb 19

    High Rock Lake Crappie Fishing Made Simple | Captain Butch Foster

    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.

    59 min

  2. Jan 20

    When Black Crappie Won’t Bite: Brush Piles, Open Water, and Finesse Tactics

    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.

    1h 7m

  3. 10/28/2025

    Derek Kelly: Expert Strategies for Inshore Sheepshead Fishing — Brilliant Fishing NC Podcast

    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 Learn more at [BrilliantFishingNC.com] (optional) 🎣 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

    39 min

  4. 10/22/2025

    Winter Crappie Secrets: Open Water Strategies with Chris Hammill | Brilliant Fishing Podcast

    Bundle up and get ready for a winter crappie masterclass! Host Jason Brilliant welcomes back expert angler and outdoorsman Chris Hammill on the Brilliant Fishing Podcast to talk all things open-water winter crappie fishing — from finding suspended schools to fine-tuning your tackle, electronics, and strategy for cold-weather slabs. 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: • How to find and follow open-water crappie schools in winter • Using Livescope and electronics to track suspended fish • Proven jig sizes, colors, and line setups for cold-water crappie • Best boat positioning and speed control for consistent bites • Seasonal baitfish patterns and how crappie respond • Cold-weather crappie fishing tips from an experienced North Carolina angler 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

    41 min

  5. 07/05/2025

    Clayton Eudy on Crappie Strategy, Community Tournaments, and Mastering LiveScope

    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 📧 Got a guest idea? Email us: https://gracebiblerockwell.com Watch. Learn. Fish brilliantly. #CrappieFishing #BrilliantFishingNC #ClaytonEudy #LiveScopeTips #HighRockLake #CrappieTournaments #SlabFishing #FishingPodcast #FishingCommunity

    1h 7m

  6. 04/11/2025

    Fishing With Heroes: Operation North State's Mission to Serve Disabled Veterans | Terry Snyder

    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

    52 min

  7. 03/31/2025

    WOOO! Big Crappie, Fishing Secrets & High-Energy Stories with Ralphie Hollifield!

    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: ✅ How to target big open-water crappie in deep and shallow lakes ✅ Seasonal crappie migration patterns and how to stay on the bite ✅ Boat control & sonar tips for better fish identification ✅ The "big fish down in the mud" theory—are they catchable? ✅ Ralphie’s recent monster catches and the stories behind them ✅ Some trade secrets you won’t want to miss! ✅ His thoughts on faith and how it impacts his approach to fishing!   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: https://www.youtube.com/@RP-FISHING   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: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ckP4dYeQLmEb1rw2Rwo8G?si=eee47263331b4771   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

    1h 11m

  8. 03/18/2025

    Live Bait Fishing Below Dams: Pro Tips from a Retired Game Warden! (Catfish & Striper Secrets)

    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

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Family-friendly podcast where we pick the brains of those who are ’in-the-know’ about fishing North Carolina’s lakes, rivers and beaches.

Information

  • Creator
    brilliantfishingnc
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Brilliant Fishing NC

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