Welcome TA, hello.
Thank you for your service.
I can’t help but wonder how you find the time to travel and fish such a widespread area, because I’ve been trying enjoy fishing the east coast from Sine to FL all my life. In my late years now I still get out to fish, thank God, but is more difficult especially if traveling and looking for new places to get in the water as well as doing it at the right time for certain fish when they are there.
Best of luck to you, maybe we’ll be able share some advice, tips, and maybe even time together.
Ed

Hello Rube; Cancer is cruel, but that chemo and radiation seemed knock me for a bigger loop than the initial cancer; glad that’s over and thank God for giving the doctors what it takes to beat it. Mine is gone, but some of the consequences of the treatment still make some days tougher than expected. Glad to hear you’re over it too, and wishing you the best for all the recovery necessary and hope the fishing trips are good ones.

I just looked at your welcome msg. Now, seeing you’re up there (Lake of ….) I’d imagine James River be your closest one for BiG cats. It’s a little bit more of a ride, but Kerr and the rivers in/out of her (especially in) have the really big ones.

Any? Lots; James River, Roanoke, Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake, Staunton River, Dan River, and plenty others but word will tell you these have some the biggest. The 5-10 lb’ers taste better though

So how did you do? Did you find them trout?

Says you live in Avon, NC, which is quite a hike from the James or any smallmouth.
If you do get near em though, light spinning tackle be great, throwing little plugs or jigs. Smallmouths love crayfish.

Uh huh. I had catfish for supper last night (blue).

They do like those sand fleas. Sand fleas are a good choice when want just chill out and relax by the beach; you don’t even have to worry about casting way out, different species are coming right into the wash looking for these little guys.

When bait, can’t beat shrimp. You can get em with lures too though. Plugs like Redfin, MirroLure, and Rebel/Rapala type are good, also jigs with soft trailer tails.

All around, both fresh and salt.

Wow! I wish I was local, or even just currently in the area. Fishing with a friend is always a great way to spend a day (or part of it, mornings and evenings especially). I’ll wish I could know you next trip down there.

Sturgeon. Thanks for sharing.

What pier are you referring to?

Better not, some have very sharp teeth. You better get to know the species.

I don’t know the area there well, but with all that water around you should find it easy to enjoy both the kayaking and fishing. Bay water still cool, but shallow bars with sun on em all day should be attracting bait and fish. Upstream and inland should find plenty of warmer water and freshwater species. Enjoy!