Largemouth Bass

Gamewell, NC offers some under-the-radar largemouth bass fishing. While not as famous as some of the larger reservoirs in the state, the smaller lakes and ponds scattered around Caldwell County hold some surprisingly good bass. Spring and fall are prime times, as the bass move shallow to spawn or feed before winter. Look for coves and points with submerged timber or vegetation. A local tip: try fishing the smaller, less pressured ponds on private land (with permission, of course). These often hold bigger fish that haven't seen as many lures. Soft plastics, like worms and creature baits, are always productive, but don't be afraid to throw topwater lures early and late in the day. The bass in this area can be aggressive, and a well-placed topwater can trigger explosive strikes.