Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists
FritidSportAvid anglers Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks are North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists. Listen in as they help anglers understand more about the fish and fisheries in North Carolina while promoting conservation of valuable natural resources. These monthly podcasts will link the research and surveys conducted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to fishing in North Carolina. Our hope is to help anglers learn more about fish, so they can catch more fish. Our expert guests will include biologists, anglers, and fishing industry professionals to talk fish and fishing in North Carolina. Thank you for listening and please submit questions and feedback to twobaldbiologists@ncwildlife.org
Siste episoder av Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists podcast
- Blue Light Special (00:51:42)
Join Corey and Ben as they sit down with District II Captain Kyle vanAlthuis for an inside look at life in the Law Enforcement Division. Kyle shares how NC Wildlife Officers collaborate with biologists and the public. This episode highlights how enforcement supports both conservation efforts and the angling community. From boating tips to fishing strategies, this episode blends conservation, education, and a deep love for the outdoors.
- Reintroducing a Rusty Angler to Fishing (00:55:39)
Corey and Ben hit the water with NC Wildlife’s Ryan Kennemur, a self-proclaimed rusty angler on the hottest day of the year. Listen in as they dive into starter gear every new angler needs, luck vs. persistence while fishing, and more.
- Sandhills Sunfish (01:01:19)
Ben and Corey talk with Biologist Troy Thompson about catching sunfish in North Carolina’s Sandhills. Tune in to learn what makes the region unique and the challenges of managing quality sunfish fisheries.
- Chasing North Carolina Walleye: Secrets from the Edge of Their Range (00:52:14)
Ben and Corey head west to explore one of North Carolina’s best-kept fishing secrets, Walleye. Join them as they sit down with wildlife biologist Powell Wheeler and local fishing guide Don LaTulipe to dive into the spring spawning Walleye run and how to find them. This episode offers expert insights, regional knowledge, and fishing stories from the edge of the walleye’s southern range. Don’t miss this look at a fascinating and under-the-radar fishery.
- Hunting for Trophy Striped Bass (00:51:23)
Join Ben and Corey as they discuss fishing Lake Hiwassee for trophy striped bass. They're accompanied by District 9 biologist Powell Wheeler and guide Don LaTulipe as they search for the new state record. Along the way, it’s clear that Ben and Corey still have what it takes to reel in striped bass!
- Should I Keep This Fish? (01:00:43)
Corey and Ben chat with coastal biologist Mason Collins about his experience as a new hire at the Wildlife Resources Commission. They dive into fish harvest and the ethical questions posed by anglers. If you've ever wondered how fish biologists view fish harvest, this is the podcast for you!Tune in for valuable insights that may influence how you approach fish harvesting on your next fishing trip.
- Springtime White Bass (01:03:44)
Corey and Ben are joined by Kelsey Roberts, “The White Bass Biologist,” to dive into the exciting springtime spawning runs of white bass in North Carolina. Kelsey shares her knowledge on this beloved species, offering tips on the best locations and baits to use for a successful catch.
- Hail to the Chief: A Deep Dive into Fisheries Rules (01:11:27)
Join Corey and Ben as they sit down with Christian Waters, Chief of Inland Fisheries, to explore the ins and outs of fisheries regulations. Why do these rules exist? Who do they impact? Are they even necessary? Tune in as they dive deep into the world of fisheries management.
- Rising Waters: What Do Aquatic Animals Do When Natural Disasters Strike? (00:59:31)
Hurricane Helene devastated many North Carolina mountain communities last September. In this episode, Corey and Ben discuss how fish respond to natural disasters, how the Commission plans to rebuild destroyed mountain trout hatcheries, and how our staff are assessing the affected streams and habitats while planning for the future.
- Talking Bass Fishing and Management with the Pros: Part 2 (01:02:45)
In this two-part podcast series, Corey and Ben sit down with professional bass anglers Matt Arey and Bryan Thrift, two of the most respected names in the bass fishing community. Based in North Carolina, their achievements have earned them national recognition. Tune in as Matt and Bryan share their expert insights on key topics such as bass fishing techniques, bass conservation efforts, stocking programs, and the NCWRC’s native aquatic plant initiative.
- Talking Bass Fishing and Management with the Pros: Part 1 (01:13:42)
In this two-part podcast series, Corey and Ben sit down with professional bass anglers Matt Arey and Bryan Thrift, two of the most respected names in the bass fishing community. Based in North Carolina, their achievements have earned them national recognition. Tune in as Matt and Bryan share their expert insights on key topics such as bass fishing techniques, bass conservation efforts, stocking programs, and the NCWRC’s native aquatic plant initiative.
- You Ain’t From Around Here! (00:55:49)
Our two bald biologists are joined by Assistant Fish Chief Rachael Hoch to discuss both the harmful effects and the fishing opportunities presented by aquatic nuisance species. Learn how these aquatic nuisance species threaten our native aquatic life and why it's crucial to educate one another about not introducing animals into environments where they don't belong. And remember—doing so could land you in a 'blue light special.'
- Carping 101 (01:01:30)
Ben and Corey are joined by District Fisheries Biologist Deon Kerr to learn about carping. While Ben and Corey are new to the sport, Deon's enthusiasm reveals just how much fun carping can be—tune in to learn essential skills you will need to wrestle these water donkeys!
- The Public Water Mountain Trout Program (00:55:52)
In this episode, Corey and Ben chat with Doug Besler, Mountain Region Supervisor, about trout fishing in North Carolina. Discover expert insights on trout management and the best fishing spots across the state.
- Get to Know Your Better Fishing With Two Bald Biologists Podcast Hosts (01:12:15)
Ever wonder how Ben & Corey became the Bald Biologists? We are dropping a bonus episode to talk about that, NC fishing, and the work of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Your hosts also share how you can contact your local fish biologist.
- 2024 Facebook Live Q & A Podcast (00:59:17)
Listen into the second annual Facebook Live question and answer session. Ben and Corey talk about their recent fishing trips and respond to angler questions in real time on Facebook Live. The two bald biologists cover a variety of angler topics from all over North Carolina.
- Westward Bound (00:52:19)
The 2 Bald Biologist head to Lake Apalachia, the westernmost point in North Carolina in search of trophy Brown Trout. Listen in as Corey and Ben discuss this hidden jewel of the Blue Ridge with District 9 Fisheries Biologist Amanda Bushon and longtime area angler David Woody.
- Fishing the Pocosin Lakes (00:58:11)
Ben and Corey are joined by District 1 Fisheries Biologists Chris Smith and Deon Kerr as they try to tackle fishing clear shallow water for quality Largemouth Bass at Lake Phelps.
- Municipal Lake Largemouth Bass: North Carolina’s Hidden Gems for Bass (00:55:07)
In this episode, Corey and Ben talk bass fishing in North Carolina’s many municipal lakes with long time Piedmont biologist Lawrence Dorsey. Discover quality bass fishing in these unique waterbodies scattered throughout North Carolina.
- Coastal Shad fishing with NC Wildlife Biologist David Belkoski (01:04:26)
Our two bald biologists, Ben and Corey, talk about spring shad fishing with NC Wildlife biologist David Belkoski. No shad topic is safe. We cover the biology of shad and fishing for them throughout the coast. Listen in to glean tips that will help you become a better shad angler and understand why shad migrate from the Bay of Fundy to our back yards.
- Cold water Catfish: On the Cape Fear with Tyler Barnes (01:12:21)
Join Corey and Ben discussing winter catfishing on the Cape Fear River with prominent North Carolina catfish angler, Tyler Barnes. Our two bald biologists talk about catfish fishing tactics and conservation concerns.
- Fishing Access and Boat Ramps (01:01:57)
Corey and Ben talk with Nick Shaver, NC Wildlife’s Land and Water Access Division Coastal Ecoregion Supervisor, about boat ramps and public fishing areas across North Carolina. Our two bald biologists talk fishing, boating, and the significant work the Land and Water Access Division does for North Carolina anglers and boaters. Nick also shares a secret tip about his favorite lure, the spinner bait.
- Fishing 101 (01:08:29)
Ben and Corey talk about the basics of fishing tackle. How to get started with minimal expense. If you have never fished and are thinking about getting in to fishing for yourself or for your children, this is the podcast for you. Listen all the way to the end to find out how you can win a Better Fishing with Two Bald Biologist swag bag.
- Kayak Fishing NC from mountains to coast (01:09:46)
NC Wildlife’s Two Bald Biologists talk kayak fishing with the North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association’s president, Mark Patterson, an avid and diverse kayak angler. We cover fishing for everything from Redear Sunfish to Flathead Catfish. If you are interested in getting into kayak fishing or are currently floating down a creek, this is the podcast for you. The conversation even touches on a fish biologist’s stance on a non-fish creature, the elusive Sasquatch.
- Overlooked bass fishing in coastal North Carolina with NCWRC biologist TD VanMiddlesworth (00:55:00)
Coastal North Carolina is often an overlooked destination for Largemouth Bass anglers. NCWRC Fisheries Biologist TD VanMiddlesworth joins Corey & Ben to talk about bass and bass fishing. We’ll discuss our coastal river bass surveys, hurricane fish kill recovery, and fishing the herring run. You may be surprised to learn just how good the fishing is at the coast.