Starting a trip on the Right foot

[Johnsfolly]

I moved into a new role at work and part of that job is to know what studies are offered at our other facilities around the country. My first trip was to get down to our North Carolina sites that are located in the middle of the state. I have fished around this area and had not had as much success as we did when fishing the coast or when we have been shad fishing further east. When I set goal for 2022, I specifically had a trip to NC in mind. I set up this trip now in Oct with nice weather and fish still likely to be in a late summer/early fall pattern making my targets a bit easier to find.

Things have not really gone to plan. I usually fly Southwest since they don't charge baggage fees for two pieces. That would normally be one suitcase with waders, boots, tackle, clothes, etc. and a rod holder. I found flights but waited too long and missed on Southwest flights that allow me to fish soon after leaving the airport, go to my meeting Friday morning, fish Friday afternoon and most of the day Saturday, returning Sat night. Instead I ended up on American airlines. Still a Thursday flight but not likely to get in early enough to fish. Taking a Sunday morning flight, which will allow me to fish all day Sat. The kicker is that American charges $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second. I could not even consider $140 extra just to bring a rod case. I didn't have any short two piece rods that would fit my luggage. I do have two telescoping travel rods. One is a suitable rod the other is kind of terrible. I also needed bait. I found that there is a Bass Pro shop within 15 mins of the airport. With my wife's blessing I was hoping that ultimately the trip would start off on the right foot.

Got there at sunset.

Somebody let wild hogs run amok in the men's clothing section.

Always enjoy the big tank in BPS.

They had your typical fish, LMB, bluegill, hybrid stripers, redfish, and a surprise bowfin. Thought of @FishnDave fishing the tank for his 50th bowfin 🤣

I picked up a three piece ugly stick and bait and could not wait until my meetings were over Friday afternoon to get out and fish. 

[jdmidwest]

Looks like the pigs got the mannequin head also...

I went to Boone a few times.  Nice area, camped one time.  In a Hurricane.  Rainy all of the time and windy.  Thinking it was October when that mess happened.

[Ham]

I’ve made two trips to NC with Big Dreams of fishing. Both freaking times tropical storms rumbled through prior to my arrival blowing up my plans.

I hope today is super super productive. I’ll be at work. 

[Quillback]

NC has always sounded like a state with some good fishing opportunity, good luck!

[Johnsfolly]

11 hours ago, Quillback said:

NC has always sounded like a state with some good fishing opportunity, good luck!

There are mountain streams, low country swamps, shore fishing, etc. There is a great variety of fishes, but not every stream or creek is filled with fish like out in the Ozarks.