Outdoors Back to Nature

It is definitely time to do some fishing in North Carolina’s Lakes, Ponds, Rivers, Inland Coastal waters and Oceanside Piers. You need to know the size limits and daily creel limits, if you are planning on keeping your catch. The Black Bass(largemouth, smallmouth & spotted) range from a minimum length 12″ in Lake Lure to a minimum of 16″ in Jordan, Falls of Neuse & Buckhorn Lakes, with a creel limit of 5. The Striped Bass season from June 1st - September 30th has no size limits in most locations, with creel limits ranging from 0-4, depending on location. The Crappie have a 10″ minimum in Jordan Lake and an 8″ minimum in most other public waters except Buckhorn Reservoir(no minimum size), with a creel limit of 20 in all locations. The Walleye have a 15″ minimum only in Lake James, with a creel limit of 8(except 4 in Linville River). Other Sunfish have no size limits or creel limits in most places(some designated areas have limit of 30 total(just 12 Redbreast). Spotted Sea Trout: 12″ minimum & 10 creel limit; Flounder: 14″ minimum & 8 creel limit and Red Drum/Puppy Drum: 18″ min.-27″ max. & only 1/day. For more detailed information, go to the NC Wildlife Commission website.

Camping is also on a lot of peoples mind this time of year. The Sycamore Lodge Resort offers RV sites & Cabins in Jackson Springs, North Carolina(Moore County) approximately 10 miles from Pinehurst. Activities include beach volleyball, swimming, fishing(Bass stocked lake), canoeing, hiking, relaxing in the jacuzzi, childrens play ground, horseshoes, etc. on the 194 acre resort. Ameneties include a state of the art Bath House and a Historic Lodge with wireless internet access. They have a special for first time visitors, 2 nights 3 days FREE(lunch included). For more detailed information go to www.campnorthcarolina.com       

 Lake Rim Park(Cumberland Co.) is offering 3 Archery Clinics: June 30th, July 20th & August 4th, 9:00 am-12 noon; 2 Kayak Trips: July 10th at Falls of Neuse Lake & August 7th at Jordan lake. For more details call the park office @ 910-424-6134. Cumberland County has a great escape for leisure paddlers, fisherman, nature watching and hunting, in Rhodes Pond. This Beautiful pond is just off of I 95, on US 301HWY, between Godwin & Dunn. Sampson County, NC also has some great waterways for leisure floating(canoe, kayak), fishing and duck hunting. Friends of Sampson County Waterways will announce future opportunities for group trips. 

  For those folks who prefer Mountain area recreation, check out Valle Crucis, and nearby Boone and Blowing Rock area.  The outdoor activities range from Bird Watching to Horseback Riding. The Valle Crucis Park hosts morning Bird Watching walks every Wednesday, from March-October. There is also a one mile paved Trail for walking, roller blading and running. Horseback Riding is another way to enjoy the beautiful countryside. Dutch Creek Trails is a great place to visit for new or experienced riders. The trail provides a diverse trail ride, passing through forests and old farm fields, with great Valley Views along Dutch Creek. River and Earth Adventures, Inc. will change the pace from leisurely to adrenelin pumping action. They have professional guides for Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Tubing trips on four different rivers. The trips can range from a mild rumble down the river to a challenging, heart pounding shoot through the rapids. For more information go to: www.vallecrucis.com and click on Valle Crucis Park and Area Information. 

Fall in North Carolina is a great time to be OUTDOORS. The Eastern Deer Season(the regular Gun season) lasts through Jan 1st. Dog hunting is still popular in eastern NC, but still(in a stand)hunting is becoming more popular among gun hunters. I have seen many deer along the roads this year, with several close calls(barely avoided collisions). The LAST segment of Duck season is December 19th-January 30th. This part of the season usually yields a wider range of duck species, compared to the early segments. Resident Canada Goose season(also last segment)runs from December 19th-February 6th.  

For those wanting a more tranquil OUTDOOR experience, check out Rhodes Pond in north Cumberland County, just off of Interstate 95, near Godwin. Rhodes Pond has been part of the landscape since the 1740s. It covers 460 acres of the Black River Township. Around 5 years ago the future of the pond was in question, but the NC DOT came to the rescue and puchased the property as a wetland mitigation deal. Now generations to come can enjoy fishing, birdwatching or just floating along enjoying the scenery(ancient Cypress trees,lilies, blackwater, etc.). The property is now managed by the NC Wildlife Commission.  Another place to enjoy some Largemouth Bass and Crappie fishing is Harris Lake, in Wake County. A Bass tourney angler says the areas of aquatic grass on Harris Lake are great places to catch some lunker bass. I will try to remind you of this in my Spring edition, which is usually the best time to fish the floating grass mats. This time of year be looking for the schools of shad and you will probably find some big bass. I also want to mention Specaled Trout fishing along the Sounds and Coastal Rivers/Creeks. This is a great time of year to try catching some of these beautiful and tasty fish.  

The North Carolina Mountains are some of the most beautiful places in God’s Creation. The Snow Skiiing/Boarding season will start before you know it, several snow falls have already blanketed the region.