SALISBURY, N.C. — Temperatures are starting to heat up in North Carolina. Fortunately, so is the fishing on High Rock Lake.
Whether an angler wants to head deep or stay shallow, either could be a winning strategy when the North Carolina Division of the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine visits High Rock on Saturday.
What to expect
Local Troy Watson didn’t have to think too hard about how the fishing has been on High Rock lately.
“It’s been fishing phenomenal, especially heading into the summer months,” said the young pro from Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Considering he’s coming off a BFL Piedmont Division win on the fishery just a couple weeks ago, he should be one to know. Of course, a lot can change in a few weeks, and Watson said things have on High Rock. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
While the lake level is still low, the fish are progressing farther away from the spawn and well into their summer stages. So, while he won in May on a shad spawn pattern, he’s figuring a different spawn will be the key focus this week.
“Bluegill beds are starting to play a huge role,” Watson said.
And, of course, the deep bite is only picking up, which will be great news for anyone looking to use forward-facing sonar. Even better news than that? Either pattern can produce the winning bag, as Watson said the lake is loaded with 4- and 5-pounders right now.
Baits to bring
Planning for this event means preparing for both deep and shallow patterns, as pros may stay deep using forward-facing sonar for their allotted three hours with the technology before heading shallow to ply bluegill beds.
Out deep, Watson said shaky heads and crankbaits on channel swings and offshore humps will be big players.
Up shallow, swim jigs and poppers will be clutch around bluegill beds, as will the bream bed staple of a wacky rig.
What will it take?
When Watson won a few weeks back, he did so with 20 pounds, 6 ounces, using a late kicker to beat out Conrad Manuel by 2 ounces. However, they were the only tow pros to crack 20 pounds.
Watson is not expecting that will be enough at this event.
“Even with the water low, the fish don’t seem to care,” Watson said. “With it being more summer, it’s going to take 24 to 25 pounds to win any tournament out there.”