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Artwork for Better Fishing

Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks
Largemouth Bass
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Fishing Techniques
North Carolina
Bass Fishing
Fisheries Management
Conservation
Lake Phelps
Fishing
Coastal Rivers
Kayak Fishing
Alabama Bass
Fishing Locations In North Carolina
Bait Selection
Fish Biology
Public Mountain Trout Water Program
Cape Fear River
North Carolina Trout Hatchery Renovation
Mountain Trout
Hurricane Helene

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 research and surveys conducted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to fishing in North Carol... more

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Artwork for Better Fishing

Latest Episodes

Join Ben and Corey as they welcome biologist Kyle Rachels to discuss American shad fishing opportunities on the Cape Fear River. Listen in as they explore what makes the Cape Fear unique to North Carolina and share some of the best techniques for tar... more

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From walleye to muskellunge and beyond, discover how this unique hatchery fuels fishing across the state. Corey and Ben sit down with Assistant Superintendent Matthew Bodenhamer to explore the powerhouse behind many of North Carolina’s most sought‑af... more

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Listen as Ben and Corey sit down with Josh Ballard of Deep Creek Lures, a Carolina-based tackle company. They compare fish-catching lure designs and chat about tournament angling. Get tips on winter bass fishing and other species to target in a seaso... more

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Ben and Corey sit down with Chad Thomas of the North Carolina Marine and Estuary Foundation to discuss the importance of Striped Bass to coastal North Carolina. Listen in as they talk about Striped Bass management and the partnerships that make ongoi... more

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Recent Guests

Kyle Rachels
Biologist in the hosts' work group; expert on Cape Fear River shad
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Episode: American Shad Fishing on the Cape Fear River
Matt Bodenhamer
Assistant Superintendent at Table Rock Fish Hatchery
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Episode: Coolwater Powerhouse: Table Rock Fish Hatchery
Josh Ballard
One of the owners of Deep Creek Lures
Deep Creek Lures
Episode: Wintertime Fishing with Deep Creek Lures
Chad Thomas
Executive Director of the North Carolina Marine and Estuary Foundation
North Carolina Marine and Estuary Foundation
Episode: Striped Bass Management and Partnerships
Rick Bradford
Hatchery Superintendent at McKinney Lake
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Episode: McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery: The Catfish King
Casey Joubert
District 6 Fisheries Biologist
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Episode: All Things Largemouth Bass
Kyle VanAltis
District II Captain with the Wildlife Commission
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Episode: Blue Light Special
Ryan Kennemur
Digital Engagement Manager with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Episode: Reintroducing a Rusty Angler to Fishing
Troy Thompson
District 6 Fisheries Biologist
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Episode: Sandhills Sunfish

Hosts

Corey Oakley
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologist; co-host of the show.
Benjamin Ricks
Co-host and wildlife biologist with NCWRC; focuses on fisheries management and outreach.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 192 ratings
  • Love the show

    Recently, Seth Mycko and Casey Joubert were guest speakers at our Salt Water Fishing club in Greensboro. They gave a great presentation on the local fisheries here in the Piedmont area. During the presentation your podcast, Better Fishing with Two Bald Biologist, was mentioned. It was the first I had heard of it. I’ve downloaded your shows to my phone and listen while traveling. Your podcasts are truly informative. Thank you so much. Ron Washburn

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Litewings
    United States8 months ago
  • Love Listening to Locals

    New to the area and I’m hooked on this podcast. Keep it up guys!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Big Hefe
    United States2 years ago
  • Awesome podcaster’s

    These guys are awesome and great podcast I listened to all the episodes to date in less than two weeks, they’re awesome I want nc to pay them to do a weekly podcast!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kill deer all day
    United States2 years ago
  • Great show

    One of the best fishing podcasts out there. Ben and Corey are a resource that more people should listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hhsklfug
    United States2 years ago
  • A Favorite Podcast

    Good information for any fisherman

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OkieScott
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the mix of science and practical tips for NC anglers.
Guests are credible and the discussions informative for conservation-minded audiences.
Content is engaging, locally relevant, and educational for both beginners and seasoned anglers.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

American Shad Fishing on the Cape Fear River
Q: Can a listener from another state catch warmouth in Lake Wiley, and are they common in NC reservoirs?
Warmouth are present throughout North Carolina, including some riverine systems near the Catawba, but they are less common in reservoirs; they can be found in certain creeks and rivers feeding Lake Wiley area.
American Shad Fishing on the Cape Fear River
Q: The email question about crappy eggs appearing early in the season—does that indicate a fault spawn or a normal spawn?
Eggs appearing early are normal for crappy, and a fault spawn is unlikely; maturation and spawning follow the species' typical seasonal pattern.
American Shad Fishing on the Cape Fear River
Q: Kyle, before we get to questions, if anything, what else would you want people to know about the shad fishery on the Cape Fear?
Kyle emphasizes that the Cape Fear shad fishery is arguably the best fishing on the river aside from catfish; he highlights location-specific advice, safety near lock-and-dam structures, and the importance of understanding run timing and flow for planning trips.
Wintertime Fishing with Deep Creek Lures
Q: What should one do when fishing for hybrid striped bass?
Target specific spots where hybrids are stocked; they may require different management due to changing water qualities.
Wintertime Fishing with Deep Creek Lures
Q: What are the best techniques for wintertime fishing?
Use slower presentations, favor smaller bait profiles and consider suspending baits in deeper waters.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Better Fishing

What is Better Fishing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The program centers on North Carolina fisheries, blending scientist-led explanations with practical angling insights. Episodes routinely feature biologists from the state wildlife agency, hatchery professionals, and industry guests (lure makers, guides) to discuss fish biology, stocking programs, regulations, and on-the-water tactics. Listeners get accessible science tied to local fishing opportunities, conservation lessons, and real-world tips for catching more fish in North Carolina waters. A standout is the consistent pairing of rigorous fisheries management context with hands-on fishing guidance, plus meaningful guest collaborations that bridge public agencies, research, and industry.

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How many listeners does Better Fishing get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Better Fishing?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Better Fishing:

1. The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
2. Cut & Retie
3. The MeatEater Podcast
4. The Dale Jr. Download
5. Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

How many episodes of Better Fishing are there?

Better Fishing launched 4 years ago and published 52 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Better Fishing?

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What guests have appeared on Better Fishing?

Recent guests on Better Fishing include:

1. Kyle Rachels
2. Matt Bodenhamer
3. Josh Ballard
4. Chad Thomas
5. Rick Bradford
6. Casey Joubert
7. Kyle VanAltis
8. Ryan Kennemur

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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