Hook, Line, and Sinker: Fishing in Halifax County, North Carolina
Throw Out Your Line in the Fish-Filled Waters
Halifax County, North Carolina holds the special title of being the home of Weldon, "The Rockfish Capital of the World," thanks to the abundance of rockfish – also known as striped bass or stripers – living within its waterways. But rockfish aren’t the only fish swimming around Halifax County’s waters! There are many other species that call this county home. Simply put, Halifax County is a fantastic place to go fishing.
Within Halifax County, there are three primary fishing locations: Lake Gaston, Roanoke Rapids Lake, and the Roanoke River. You can easily spend a day at each of these fishing spots, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Lake Gaston is filled with the county’s famous rockfish, but it also has other fish that you can catch. You might be able to reel in a few largemouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish, and catfish. As for where exactly to fish on this huge lake, that depends on the type of fish you’re hoping to snag. Some fish species like to hang out near the boat docks while others congregate towards the center of the lake.
If you don’t have much luck at Lake Gaston, you should consider spending a day at Roanoke Rapids Lake. This 4,600-acre lake boasts half a dozen different types of fish within its waters, including black crappie, blue catfish, white perch, and of course rockfish. For the best catches, you’ll want to head to the northernmost part of Roanoke Rapids Lake.
Last but certainly not least, there’s the Roanoke River. Fishing in a river is a little different from fishing in a lake. Due to these variances, there are a few fishing options that you can try out during your trip to the Roanoke River, including bank fishing, wade fishing, and float fishing. Regardless of what method you decide to use, you can find bluegill, trout, and catfish. On top of all that, the Roanoke River (near Weldon) is considered by many to be the best place to catch rockfish in the world!
Hire a Local Guide to Help You Out
It’s always best to get the inside scoop. After all, the locals will know all of the best fishing spots in town. If you’d like to hire a local guide to show you the ropes, you have a couple of options.
First, there’s Honey Hole Outfitters. This local company has provided fishing trips for over 20 years! Their guided fishing trips take place in the spring on the Roanoke River. With your guide’s help, you’ll be able to catch loads of rockfish and maybe even a catfish or two!
If you’re looking for another option, there’s Roanoke River Waterfowl. While primarily known for its guided duck hunts, Roanoke River Waterfowl also provides guided hunts for other animals, including fish. During your private fishing tour, you have a very good chance of hooking a trophy rockfish. For a list of guides in the area
Dine on Fabulous Fish
During your fishing-filled trip, you can also dine on your catches – or someone else’s. The Mayflower Restaurant is a wonderful seafood eatery in Halifax County. And with a dozen locations dotted throughout North Carolina and Virginia, you know that the Mayflower Restaurant has built its reputation as a great place to eat.
While at this local chain eatery, you can find just about every seafood dish you could want. Depending on your mood, you can order the fried baby shrimp, land & sea, steamed snow crab legs, or whole croaker.
Book a Room Close to the Action
If you plan on fishing from sunrise until sunset, you’ll want to stay as chose to the action as possible. Halifax County offers a number of options, including The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids and The Days in by Weldon Roanoke Rapids. Both are quite close to Halifax County’s prime fishing spots.
While the location of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids is a major perk, this accommodation is also one of the most highly rated places to stay in town. Past guests have raved about the friendly staff, the comfortable beds, and the delicious hot cinnamon rolls at breakfast! You too can stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids and enjoy all of these fantastic perks during your trip to Halifax County.
Ideally located off I-95, the Days Inn Weldon/Roanoke Rapids hotel is near Roanoke Canal Trail and offers easy access to the best natural and historic attractions in North Carolina. The pet-friendly hotel provides spacious guest rooms, complete with free WiFi, a refrigerator, and a microwave.