Angler's Astonishing Haul: Almost 300 Pounds of Catfish in Two Hours
In an astounding display of angling prowess, fishing guide Zakk Royce achieved an almost unbelievable feat on Lake Gaston, a vast reservoir spanning Virginia and North Carolina. In a mere two-hour window, Royce successfully landed and released close to 300 pounds of blue catfish, including several behemoths. This remarkable fishing expedition underscores the exceptional opportunities available to anglers on Lake Gaston, particularly during the prolific pre-spawn period for these substantial fish.
Royce, who operates Blues Brothers Guide Service, initially set out on Lake Gaston to acquire white perch and crappies, essential bait for his upcoming client trips. After several hours spent catching baitfish, as dusk approached around 5 p.m., he decided to make a brief drift along a channel ledge using cut bait on 'Santee Rigs'. This impromptu decision, made with only four rods in the water, quickly turned into an unforgettable experience.
As his boat drifted, Royce encountered a dense school of large fish, transforming his tranquil outing into a frenzy of activity. Rods bent dramatically, reels screamed as lines were stripped, and sizable fish thrashed on his boat deck. The 35-year-old guide, a seven-year veteran on Lake Gaston, found himself in the midst of exhilarating chaos. He described fighting one large catfish while two others simultaneously took the bait on separate rods. After securing a 40-pound catch, he skillfully managed to reel in a 71-pounder, followed by an impressive 77-pound catfish.
Despite the physical exertion, Royce meticulously weighed each fish before releasing them, a testament to his commitment to conservation. After a brief period of rest, he decided to continue fishing. With limited fresh bait remaining, he ingeniously used pieces of perch from his previous catches. As he prepared to deploy his fourth rod, a powerful strike indicated another giant. This time, after a 20-minute battle with a 7.5-foot medium-light action rod, Royce landed a colossal 104-pound blue catfish. This was not Royce's first encounter with record-breaking fish; in 2015, he twice broke the North Carolina blue catfish record with catches of 91 and 105 pounds.
The veteran angler, thoroughly exhausted but elated, carefully revived the 104-pound catfish in his livewell before releasing it, adhering to his practice of returning all catfish over 15 pounds to the water. Royce attributes May as a prime month for catching large blue cats on Lake Gaston, explaining that the massing of lake shad for spawning attracts these predatory fish, which also feed heavily in preparation for their own spawning season. He noted that this period often provides exceptional angling opportunities, with his recent 96-pound catch further solidifying May's reputation as a top fishing month on Lake Gaston.