Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Avid 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 researc...

Gar Getting with Ben and Corey
Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists
Gar Getting with Ben and Corey

Recent Episodes

Oct. 13, 2026

Gar Getting with Ben and Corey

North Caolina hosts a wide variety of fish to target. There are several fish that are often off many anglers’ radar even though they are abundant and offer excellent fishing opportunities. Longnose Gar are often in a group of fish often called rough fish, but they are seriously underestimated. If you are an avid angler you should not let this experience pass you by. Listen in while Corey and Ben talk about how to target longnose gar which can be quite fun.
Sept. 8, 2026

NC Wildlife’s New Aquatic Plant Nursery and Aquatic Plant Program

You have all said it, “Where there’s grass there is bass.” Well WRC is growing aquatic plants to restore native aquatic plants and add habitat where needed. The Native Aquatic Plant Program has been around a while, but NCWRC just built a new state of the art nursery that will expand their capability. Join Corey and Ben as they talk with biologists Danny Morrill and Mark Fowlkes about the NCWRC’s Native Aquatic Plant Program.
Aug. 11, 2026

Roanoke Bass: A Native Sunfish

Join Corey and Ben as they discuss Roanoke Bass fishing in North Carolina. Roanoke Bass are a sunfish species only found in North Carolina and Virginia. The bald biologists discuss the biology and habitats of this unique species while discussing great techniques to capture them. Listen as they dive into to this unique opportunity found in streams throughout the Piedmont of North Carolina.
July 14, 2026

Hiwassee River Walleye

Corey and Ben head to the westernmost corner of North Carolina to explore the spring walleye spawning run on the Hiwassee River. Each year, walleye migrate from reservoirs into rivers and major tributaries to spawn, creating one of North Carolina's most unique seasonal fishing opportunities. Learn how this fishery is supported through NCWRC stocking efforts and what makes western North Carolina a destination for walleye anglers.
June 9, 2026

Perching with Powell

Yellow Perch are an overlooked fish species found throughout North Carolina, with some of the best fishing opportunities in the mountains and coastal regions. Biologist Powell Wheeler joins the podcast to discuss this interesting fish and how to target them in the western part of the state. Corey and Ben also share their Lake Appalachia fishing adventure, with tips and techniques that can be applied to mountain reservoirs and waters across the state.
May 12, 2026

Take a Warrior Fishing, Inc.

Ben and Corey are joined by Ken and Pete from Take a Warrior Fishing, Inc. They discuss the organization’s mission of creating connection, camaraderie, and healing for the veteran community through free fishing experiences across North Carolina and beyond. They also talk fishing techniques, favorite spring opportunities, and how “Fishing Heals” both on and off the water.