Largemouth Bass

If you're looking for largemouth bass in eastern North Carolina, Ayden offers some excellent freshwater opportunities. The smaller rivers and creeks that feed into the Tar River are prime locations. These waterways often hold good numbers of bass, especially around submerged structure like fallen trees and bridge pilings. Spring and fall are generally the best times to fish, as the bass are more active during these periods. For a practical tip, try targeting the areas near the Highway 11 bridge over Contentnea Creek; there's usually decent bank access and the structure attracts fish. Also, be mindful of water levels, as heavy rains can quickly muddy the waters and impact fishing success. The bass in these smaller systems tend to be aggressive, so don't be afraid to throw reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits to cover water quickly.