The Greatest Christmas Gift

                     With Christmas just a few days away, it is quite easy to get caught up in the routine of rushed shopping to find something you think your loved one may like. Too often do we ignore the fact that we get so enveloped with the holiday craze, we turn a blind eye to the thing that is most important. We have developed a skewed perception that the most important task is to please others with gifts and have forgotten to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. This Christmas, we want you to look differently at this special day. Look at Christmas as a beautiful time to spend with family, to laugh and tell fishing stories, and to love one another without hesitation. Take a moment and notice other people you pass by while shopping, wishing them a merry Christmas. To some, that may be just what they need to hear. Christmas is not about gifts and trying your best to please others, but it is about the quality time you spend with those you love. Take a child fishing, teach them the beauty of the sport, and tell ridiculous overly exaggerated fishing stories to your great relatives... they probably have a few to tell themselves. But most importantly, take note of the opportunity you have. The opportunity to change others lives. Whether it be a trip to the lake, or a random act of kindness, these are the moments that really make this the season of joy. In our eyes, the greatest gift does not come in a box or a stocking, but it comes with the heartfelt sincerity of caring for one another. The greatest gift is not a material thing, but the love and precious time you share with those around you.

From all of us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply, Merry Christmas.

DYNAMIC DUO! These baits are crushing them!

           

               As we've stated in the previous blogs, this cold weather is making it tougher and tougher to catch bass. Thankfully, we've found two baits that seem to be just what the fish are craving right now. These baits are none other than the bladebait and the drop shot rig. Back to the basics folks! From what we've been throwing, these two rigs have seemed to be pretty dang productive in multiple lakes in WNC. For those who don't know, the bladebait is almost like a simple lipless style crankbait. Compact in size, this bait features a weighted head with a literal blade as the body. The action is one that is simple yet effective. Yoyoing this bait off the bottom is great for this time of year as the shad are dying off. These baits are fairly cheap and are proving to be a lethal weapon for any fisherman now.

The dropshot rig is also becoming one of favorites recently. It's simplicity and elegance that it displays are driving these bass BONKERS in the cold water. This bait, along with the bladebait is a great search-bait, covering a ton of water in a quick amount of time. This increases the chances of catching more fish in a shorter span of fishing.

The water will be getting even colder yet, which means the bass will move on to other tactics. That just gives us as fishermen to improve our skills even further! We hope ya'll catch some hawgs this winter!


Come visit us! at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd! 28779 Sylva, NC

EFFECTIVE WINTER BAITS

             
 
                     I think it's safe to say it's officially that time of the year. The leaves are all gone, there is ice on our windshields almost every morning, and you can no longer leave the house without a jacket on hand. Winter, along with it's frigid weather and harsh elements brings some pretty tough fishing conditions as well. The average angler would probably be packing up their gear and putting the cover over the boat. But we all know... We're not the average anglers.

          This is the time of year that really tests a fisherman's skills and grit. Thankfully we have a couple baits that we think may be some help during this tough upcoming season!

1. Jigs
How could we leave out the go to bait for so many fisherman. When the fish are deep and lethargic, sometimes all you need is a slowly worked jig. This is a great bait to trigger some strikes from bass that are down deep looking for an easy meal. Usually paired with a craw trailer is a great option, giving the jig a crawfish like imitation.

2. Spoons
Sometimes simple is the way to go, especially when it's cold out. Spoons, depending on size, can be worked slowly giving off a bit of action still. Spoons are also sometimes pretty heavy, allowing you to target deeper fish

3/ Bladebaits.
Bladebaits are a cool hybrid bait that gives off a ton of action with not alot of effort. These can be yoyoed off the bottom or even trolled slowly. Regardless, these baits are super versatile and a deadly weapon during the winter months.

4. Ned Rigs
Last but defiantly not least is a highly overlooked bait. The ned rig is a simple 3 inch  stick bait threaded onto a ned rig hook. These simple baits give off a natural and simple presentation that seems to be just what those lethargic fish are looking for when the water cools off.


Those are just a few of the baits that we look forward to using during these upcoming months and hope they help you out as well!
Good luck and tight lines!


Come Visit Us At Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779!

Most Beautiful Lakes of WNC

                   One of the greatest parts of fishing areas such as Western North Carolina is being able to take in the amazing scenery and beauty. Luckily, we have a variety of breathtaking lakes that are readily accessible for anglers. Below are, in our opinion, some of the most beautiful places to fish in WNC.

1. Fontana
Fontana lake is a beautiful reservoir nestled in the mountains of the Smoky Mountains. Being such a popular vacationing site, it's a beautiful lake that is quite large for our area, offering amazing scenery for anyone who fishes it.

2. Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is a seven thousand acre reservoir created by Duke Energy in 1973. This large lake sits just south of the South Carolina border, making it not too bad of a drive from WNC. This lake features crystal clear water, some beachy areas, and even a coupe waterfalls. It's the perfect lake if you are looking for something different to fish!

3. Lake Chatuge
Chatuge is a shallower man made lake, completed in the late 40's. It spans across southern North Carolina and Northern Georgia, making it a large, beautiful place to come and fish.

4. Lake Glenville
Lake Glenville is a beautiful reservoir located in Jackson County, NC. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and waterfalls that ensure an amazing fishing experience.

5. Lake Burton
Lake Burton is a nice sized lake located in Rabun County, Georgia. It is about 3,000 acres and has many different coves that call for great angling. If you're even in the northeast part of Georgia, make sure to stop by and visit Lake Burton!


Those are just a few of the many amazing bodies of water we have in and around WNC. Have any favorite places to fish? Let us know!

Come Visit Us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply! on 21 Steeple Road, Sylva NC, 28779!

RAIN RAIN RAIN! : WNC Fishing Report.

                 Fall is officially in full swing now meaning bait has moved up tight into pockets and creeks. Bass are feeding heavily on shad and other baitfish during this time of the year, making moving baits a great option. This fall has proven to be especially warm keeping the bass closer to cover and shade, and making the early mornings and late afternoons phenomenal topwater opportunities.

A major update in the fishing forecast has been the INSANE amount of rain we have recently gotten in the past couple of days. The constant downpour resulted in serious flooding of many creeks, rivers and lakes. As of today, the water is still a chocolate milk color, making the fishing quite tough. The water is pretty darn rough at the moment as well, as the excess drainage cycles it's way out.

The most effective baits for these types of conditions would be MOVING baits. Moving is highlighted because we're talking crazy loud, flashy baits that a bass can find even in chocolate milk water. Spinnerbaits are a good place to start, with their flashing, thumping blades and erratic skirts. Chatterbaits would be absolutely ideal, giving anglers the option of a loud, obnoxious spinnerbait on steroids. Try and throw bright, fluorescent colored variations of these baits or similar baits and you'll probably land a few even in these conditions!

The rain looks like it has calmed down for a while for the most part, but until our lakes get back to normal, try and make the best of what we have and think of it as a fun new obstacle to land some awesome fish!


Come Visit Us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply! on 21 Steeple Road Sylva, NC 28779.

Early Christmas Shopping Ideas For The Fisherman In Your Family.

 


           Well colder weather is finally here and you know what that means... CHRISTMAS is right around the corner! As much as you hate to say it, those blow-up santas in Lowes and Walmart aren't going away anytime soon. Thinking ahead of time is great when it comes to buying gifts for your friends and loved ones. It can however, be quite difficult when it comes to shopping for your family fisherman. Thankfully, our team here at Dream Catcher's know exactly what a fisherman would LOVE to get for Christmas due to the fact that... we may want them too! In all seriousness, we have brainstormed and come up with three great ideas that could help you find that perfect gift for your beloved angler.

Costa Polarized Sunglasses.
What a lot of people who don't fish fail to realize, is that having great quality shades on the water make a HUGE difference. The high quality polarized lenses give anglers a crystal clear view into the water with ease Just ask anyone who has worn Costa glasses out on the water and they'll tell you... it's worth it. We guarantee that this will be a worthwhile investment that a serious fisherman will greatly enjoy and appreciate.


Daiwa Fuego Reels.
Whether you are looking for a casting or spinning reel, the Daiwa Fuego series has amazing quality matched with the amazing price. We love how smooth both models of the reels are, giving the angler a sturdy, reliable, and well made reel that feels really good in the hands. Despite the impressive quality that Daiwa brings to the table with this model, the price is very considerable and a great bargain for what you get. If you want to get your fisherman a reel with high quality looks and mechanics with an amazing price, pick up a Fuego series reel!


Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply Gift Card. 
If all else fails and you just can't decide what to get for that special fisherman, don't sweat it, we gotcha covered! Just swing on by the shop and pick up one of our gift cards! This gives them the opportunity to come visit us and select anything out our huge selection of rods, reels, baits, apparel, and so much more! We would be thrilled to help out any customers that have any questions about something they might need or are looking for!


So there you have it. Even though it still is technically fall, we just wanted to help you get a step ahead in the Christmas shopping game by giving some of our suggestions. After all... We are anglers ourselves and dream of someone getting us these things! ( Wink wink)

If you have any questions about anything you may be looking for or need, just give us a ring or come by and say hello at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779!
We look forward to seeing you!

The Five Most Effective Soft Plastics!!

                                                     The Five Most Effective Soft Plastics


            Soft plastics are a vital part of a fisherman's arsenal, giving us all kinds of different variations and ways to use them. They have been around for quite some time, being a go-to bait for many seasoned anglers. The great thing about soft plastics in general is that they can be used in so many different ways. For example, if the fish are being picky and you need something more finesse and lighter in presentation, a simple trickworm on a dropshot rig could be your saving grace. Soft plastics even extend to craw shaped trailers that can be hooked onto jigs to give off the classic "jig and pig" combo. We've compiled five of some of the many amazing soft plastics that have proven to be EXTREMELY effective out on the water, and help you get that skunk out of the boat!

NUMBER ONE:  THE TRICKWORM

The trickworm is perhaps one of the most simple baits to use, especially for novice fisherman who are looking for an easy bite. The trickworm has tons of different techniques that you can use that will effectively trigger some ferocious bites. For example, texas rigging is a great way to fish a trickworm, lightly twitching the bait and working it slowly. You can also easily dropshop a this bait, making it seem to be a flashy meal to fish.







NUMBER TWO: PADDLETAIL SWIMBAIT

A paddletail swimbait is probably one of my personal favorites due to its lifelike, quiet presentation. These baits are absolutely ideal for easily spooked fish, moving rhythmically yet stealthily through the water. Iv'e found that larger ponds are great for this style plastic and that they are easily fished with a weighted offset hook. Another option for rigging paddletails is using them as a trailer for other lures such as chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, etc...

                                                
NUMBER THREE: CRAW TRAILERS

One amazing bait to have while fishing with jigs are any type of craw trailer. These sometimes extremely lifelike baits are super effective when fished accordingly. Due to crawfish being a major part of bass' forage, these baits are a go to when the fish are either hunkered down, or gorging on craws. As mentioned before, they are usually most effective when they are hooked to a jig and fished slowly over rocks or under cover. If you don't usually use soft plastic craws, you should defiantly try it. You won't be disappointed!


NUMBER FOUR: FLUKES

Like the paddletail swimbaits, flukes give off a silent, yet deadly presentation. They give off an insane amount of action even with the slightest twitch of the wrist, making them a huge attention getter for any nearby fish. The great thing about flukes is that they can be fished in almost any way
possible. Weightless, these baits stay closer to the surface of the water making blowups a very possible thing. Even without any weight, these lures still give off a crazy side to side darting action with ease. With weight attached, you will be able to get flukes deeper and have even more action than they already do!





NUMBER FIVE: THE STICKBAIT

The last and probably most versatile bait on the list is the stickbait, commonly known as the senko. These simple baits have proven to be DEADLY time after time, producing a lot of fish. The awesome thing about the stick bait is that they can be used in SOOO many different ways that are all pretty equally effective. Wacky rigging is a popular technique that is a very easy, yet effective way to catch a lot of fish. You can use stickbaits for a ned rig if you like to go the finesse route. And finally, you can even go with a texas rig or even go weightless with the good ol' stick bait.



See any of these baits you might want or need that you don't already have?..

Come Visit Us! At Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd Sylva, NC 28779!

Preparing For Winter Fishing.

                                 

                                          Preparing for Winter Fishing: What you'll need.



As the fall months cycle through and the days get colder and colder, the supplies for successful and comfortable fishing are a must. As bass anglers, we know that light breathable clothing is essential when your out on the water during warmer times of the year. However, is buying the same quality apparel for colder months just as important as well? Absolutely! We too often overlook the clothing we need to stay comfortable and alert while we're out there hunting down those freezing fish. Not only is it important to stay warm because of the sometimes harsh winter conditions, but also because of how much more aware of your surroundings and alert you will be on the water. Blood circulation is vital in cold conditions and when you are out in the middle of the water, with nothing to shield you from the wind, high quality winter apparel would probably be a good choice.

1. Probably one of the most important pieces of clothing you will need is a good, insulated hat to keep your head/ ears protected and warm. Without one, an angler can quickly become so cold as to just give up and get off the water. Heat exits the body through the head, so a warm hat is a necessity when out on the water.

2. For keeping your body warm, a thick hoodie is a good place to start, keeping the heat packed close to your body without escaping.

3. Outside of a hoodie, we recommend a wind breaker style jacket that will effectively shield you from any wind and mist that might blow up, leaving your normal clothes wet. 

4. Of course it's common since that you probably won't be wearing shorts out there during freezing conditions, but a good pair of thick pants are a good idea as well.

5. The last and one of the most important things that you will need is a good pair of wool socks. We cannot stress this enough. Like the head, heat also exits the body through the feet making it vital they are well insulated. Trust me, you won't want to be out there on the water once you have cold feet. (get it?)

One last thing that is also recommended is bringing an extra pair of clothes with you on board (especially during the colder months.) You never know when you might need them when you are surrounded by frigid water! Now all this may seem like common knowledge but it is an issue that not only can effect an anglers health, it will also help you be more honed in on your skills when you are not so focused on not freezing to death! We are pumped for the upcoming colder months and the awesome challenges they add to the already intricate sport of bass fishing, and hope you stay safe and stay warm out there!

Tight Lines!







Come visit us! at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779!   

Baitfish patterns

If we know anything as bass fisherman, we know one thing... that bass move around.. a lot. However, their constant migrating has a specific reasoning behind it, and its actually quite simple. Bass follow the bait they eat basically anywhere. Knowing where the baitfish go during different times of the year will help you become a much more successful angler and will help you hone in on those mobile bass. As I mentioned above, different seasons make the bass' natural forage tend to move from  place to place. Knowing where the bait is, simply means knowing where the majority of the bass are. Below we discuss where the bait migrate to and when they do it throughout the year.

Summer.
The season of summer can bring so many different conditions to fish. Baitfish at this time are usually pretty small and juvenile. They usually can be found around structure like docks, laydowns, and vegetation. These baitfish can be pretty active during the summer months, making them a big target for hungry fish.

Fall.
This is one of the best seasons for bass fishing in my opinion. During fall months, bait will move up into tight pockets and creeks, narrowing the field of play significantly. The forage will basically be cornered by bass up in these tight bodies of water, making the fishing usually very successful. The baitfish, although bunched tightly together, are usually very active during the fall, triggering insane strikes from bass.

Winter.
Although winter can seem like a tough season to get out and get some fish in the boat, if you know where the bait has moved, you can more than likely get a decent bite. During the winter, baitfish will move back out of those small creeks and pockets and migrate solely into deep, large bodies of water. They, like bass, search for warmer water once the temperature starts to drop.

Spring.
Cover, cover, cover. That is the number one place to target schools of bait during the spring. Like summer, bait will stick tight to cover and be fairly active. very rarely will you find schools out in open water during spring months, making different structures a hotspot for quality fishing. 

Once again, knowing where the baitfish are while you are fishing is key to knowing where the bass are. Study hard on baitfish patterns where you live and remember, different species of bait may have different migration patterns! Be sure to study up on the bait in your own lake so that you can have more successful fishing year round!


Come Visit Us! At Dream Catcher's Fishing! on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779

The Importance of Buying Local.

Buying Local: Why You Should Do It. 

             In almost any state you go in the US, you will more than likely find some ponds, lakes, or even the shore of the ocean. And where there is water, there is bound to be a bait and tackle shop. Spread out across our country are thousands of fishing stores ranging from a mom and pop bait store, to the larger scale shop with a large variety of tackle such as Dream Catcher's. They are run by all kinds of different people with different backgrounds that all share the same passion... FISHING! Sadly enough, more and more of these stores are disappearing as the years go by, leaving only big corporate companies left to buy tackle from anymore. Being a local business ourselves, we know the struggle of going up against the big businesses in trying to win over customers. Below are three reasons why we believe buying local is the way to go!

Number 1. Price. 
Of course when you have different businesses going head to head to try and win over the consumer, prices are going to be one of the biggest selling points. (Hah, get it!) Usually local businesses will have lower prices on certain items than a big corporate business. Local businesses will also always have great sales where the consumer can really get a great deal for an even better price! Here at Dream Catcher's, we are dedicated to making sure our customers are not cheated out of any opportunities when it comes to our products. 

Number 2. Knowledge.  
One major thing that a lot of buyers miss out on when they don't buy locally is the knowledge that can be passed on to them. Especially in the fishing industry, most local shop owners will have an extensive knowledge on the fisheries in and around their communities. They more than likely have grown up fishing the same exact lakes, rivers, and creeks that you are just now trying out! They can point out which lures are hot at the moment, and which ones to stay away from at times.That's something you can't get from the supermarket!

Number 3. Opportunity.
All businesses, no matter how large, have started somewhere. Somebody had a dream, and made that dream a reality where now there business has grown more than they could've ever imagined. When you support a local tackle shop, or any local business for that matter, you are directly helping that business and the owner's dream become more and more successful. Buying local not only helps the buyer save money, but it also helps newer entrepreneurs get a step up in the competitive market. Once, for example, that little tackle shop becomes more and more successful, it will be able to get higher quality products for the customer to buy for a better price. 

Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply has been blessed with amazing customers that have tremendously supported us. We  strive to become a well managed business that offers only the best to our great customers. Please, if you are looking to find a place to buy tackle, make connections, and expand your fishing knowledge, consider shopping locally. The impact will positively affect everyone as a whole!

              Come visit us! at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply at 21                                  Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779!

The evolution of bizarre lures

           
          As the bass fishing industry steadily moves forward and grows, new advancements are constantly being revealed to help anglers better their techniques. New products and techniques are introduced year after year, only to get more complex, unique, and well... bizarre. It seems as if in the world of modern fishing, companies are coming up with some of the craziest tools, apparel, and lures on the market. We have come a long way from throwing hand carved wooden plugs to high resin, extremely durable lures. Some companies such as Savage Gear have started to come out with multiple lures that continuously push the boundaries of effectiveness, and uniqueness. For example, one of their most recent creations is an extremely lifelike topwater bat, rotating wings and all.

                                Savage Gear Bat


Another one of Savage Gears newest creations is the Fruck. Yes, you read that right... the Fruck. This crazy lure has the hollow body and markings of a frog, but has the head and legs of a baby duckling. This lure is a perfect example of how bizarre some lures in the lure industry are getting.



 Countless other lures have been produced and are currently being released that are absolutely wacky. The Pompadour by Jackall is another great example of a flashy, in your face lure that has recently blown up as an oddity. Odd enough, the Pompadour actually produces some nice fish when used correctly. We know that bass will hit almost anything that moves when they're feeling hungry, but we also know that bass can be extremely finicky in other situations. The topic of odd lures such as the ones mentioned above can be a tough subject when it comes to reliability. The best thing that you can do as an angler is take a risk, purchase one, and test it for yourself. We can't sit and tell you that "this lure works and this one doesn't." That is up to you to find out which lures and techniques work best for you as an individual!
So maybe these wild lures work when put to them the test, or maybe they are just a experiment to see how crazy of a lure a company can successfully sell. We won't know for sure until we put them to the test and see how the fish feel about them! If you have any experience with either of these lures, let us know how they work for you. We'd love to hear your stories!




Come Visit us! at Dream Catchers Fishing Supply at 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779!


   

New Forage in Lake Junaluska!

There is exciting news for anglers in and around Western North Carolina! As of the month of April this year, thousands of gizzard shad have been released into Lake Junaluska, making the lure options expand tremendously.

While fishing the lake one sunny afternoon in May, I noticed that there were MASSIVE dark clouds in the water. They were spread out as far as I could see and seemed to be...moving? "What are these things?" I said to myself. I have fished Lake Junaluska hundreds of times throughout my life and not once had I seen something like this. I knew that Lake J had a considerable bream, sunfish, and perch population but not once had I ever heard, let alone seen any evidence of shad living in the lake. My curiosity got the best of me as I picked up my ultralite rod I normally use to jig for crappie, I tossed a hair jig out into one of the massive dark clouds and jerked the jig hard twice. Sure enough, i hooked snagged a fish almost immediately, reeling in, you guessed it, a large gizzard shad.

This discovery is something of great importance for those who fish  Lake Junaluska for many different reasons. One being that with the huge population of shad now released into the lake, bass will not only start to grow in size, but also in number as their food source has broadened significantly. Recently Lake Junaluska has been struggling a bit with the bass population due to extreme pressure (being such a small lake) and multiple fish kills in the past. The introduction to a whole new forage for the bass to feed on will help restore the population.

The second awesome effect these shad will have is a the opportunity to use a plethora of new baits. BIG swimbaits, glidebaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and any lure that relatively resembles a shad will now be super effective in this lake. Below are some great lures to use that perfectly imitate a gizzard shad!


LIVETARGET Gizzard Shad Swimbait







Strike King Red Eye Shad





Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill


Luckycraft Sammy


These are just a few of hundreds of shad style baits to choose from. If all of the sudden you need to stock up on shad patterned baits, Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply has got you covered.

We're excited about this new amazing fishing oppurtunity that has come to WNC and hope many people use this strengthen their bass fishing skills and knowledge.

Tight Lines!







Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing! At 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779!

The Power of The Senko

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." However, in bass fishing, when the going does get tough, sometimes it's time to go back to the basics! Maybe its time to put away that $50 dollar swimbait or crazy topwater oddity and pick up the good old stick bait. Commonly known as the senko, the stickbait has been one of the most successful lures to ever be introduced into the fishing world. Incredibly simple to use, the senko offers a lifelike worm presentation to hungry bass, showing a unique wiggling motion on the fall.
Senkos can be fished in any bodies of  fresh water ranging from small ponds all the way to large lakes around dock pilings and water outflows. The popularity of this bait has flourished in the past years due to it's incredible simplicity and versatility. The three best ways to fish a senko is to A. wacky rig them by hooking the bait right in the middle, allowing both sides to hang freely from the hook. B. texas rig them, and C. just rig it weightless. Hooking the senko weightless helps it's  natural wiggle action come alive on the fall.
So when all else fails, try going back to the basics. You might come to find that those "hard to catch" bass are suckers when it comes to worms. Here at Dream Catchers, We have a wide variety of stick baits from a number of different companies. Come check some out and get some for yourself so you'll be prepared when the going gets tough.








Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva, NC 28779

The Gateway into Pro Bass Fishing

For many young anglers, the dream is to one day become a professional bass fisherman and compete in high end tournaments all across the US. Many dream of becoming the next KVD, being able to hoist the trophy onstage of the Bassmaster Classic. However, this dream for many, seems more like a fantasy than an actual aspiration. Today, the aura that surrounds  pro bass fishing has seemed to evolve into what seems to be an impenetrable field where only the most skilled anglers with the most money have a shot at becoming one of the greats. There is however, a much easier way to begin making your way up in the fishing world without starting from scratch.

One of the biggest jumpstarts for competitive bass fishing is being on a college bass team. College bass fishing gives young aspiring anglers a taste of what the pro life is like, without the major investments. Sponsors look for skilled fisherman in college fishing to rep their gear out on the water, and tournaments are dirt cheap compared to actual professional tournaments. Essentially, joining a local college bass fishing team/club is one of the best moves a young eager bass fisherman can make. At the end of ones college fishing career, depending on stats and sponsorships, an angler very well may have a very good chance at successfully transitioning into the "pro" status.

Austin Neary, founder of Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply was also the founder of Western Carolina University's very own WCU BassCats fishing club, making it  possible for younger anglers to already get a step ahead in competitive fishing. Anglers from all over western North Carolina now have a place to come and a team to join if they are interested in seriously becoming a well known fisherman

We recommend anyone looking to become a high ranking bass fisherman to join a local club/team. You will no doubt learn much more about the sport itself, and make some amazing lifelong friendships along the way.

Tight Lines!




Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779

Fishing report for Lake Junaluska

LAKE JUNALUSKA FISHING REPORT

With the current rainy conditions brought in by Hurricane Harvey, local water levels are rising making the water murkier. However, due to the constant rain, bass have been seen frequently blowing up on the surface. Spinnerbaits or topwater are recommended in these conditions as bass are near the surface looking to feed on any readily available forage. Lake Junaluska has especially seen heavy topwater activity in the past week. A small popper or prop bait would be ideal for the current conditions. Here at Dream Catcher's fishing we recommend the spybait or the Yo Zuri 3DS popper for higher hookup ratios. However, if the water is too choppy for a solid topwater bite, try switching up to a black/blue spinnerbait in murky or dark water, or more natural colors such as white or pearl in clear water conditions.
We are excited for this short opportunity for an outstanding topwater bite in Western North Carolina and look forward to seeing you in our shop and hearing your stories of success!

Tight Lines!











Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779

Best baits for fall fishing

               With fall just around the corner, avid anglers are starting to switch up their arsenal when it comes to lure selection. With the weather steadily changing, water temp is slowly staring to drop, causing bass behavior and feeding habits to once again change. Surprisingly, many anglers may not know how to determine which lures to begin using once the air starts to become a little brisk. Some might just stick to the "ol faithful" lure throughout the year, hoping that they might get lucky and get a strike. However, once the seasons change, bass tend to switch up which natural forage they will predominantly pursue. Here at Dream Catchers, we have composed a list of our favorite and most successful lures to use during the fall months.

1. Spinnerbaits
       Spinnerbaits are all around a great versatile lure. Covering a huge amount of water, spinnerbaits are sure to locate potentially schooling fish quickly. In the fall months, baitfish largely migrate into small pockets or coves. Bass are almost always found wherever the schools of bait move to. Matching the relative size of the certain species of forage is key to generating a strike. We recommend a silver/blue skirt with a medium sized Colorado blade in clear water conditions. In murky water, a chartreuse or pearl color is recommended to make your bait stand out in the crowd.

2. Swimbaits.
       During the fall, swimbaits are a must-have in anybody's tackle bag. With the overwhelming amount a migrating baitfish, a swimbait is a perfect, lifelike imitation that will be sure to get some attention. With a subtle presentation, swimbaits offer an easy meal to sometimes lethargic fish. Once the water temperature cools way down later in the fall, a bass will be looking for prey that doesn't require much effort to gobble up. A slow rolling, paddletail swimbait offers just that kind of opportunity to those lazy fish.

3. Jigs.
     Jigs are often a widely overlooked bait to use during the fall. In reality, a jig can be a very successful tool when it comes to getting fish in the boat. Jigs have many different functions and uses that many anglers very often overlook. During the fall, try swimming a jig (preferably white or silver to imitate surrounding baitfish) past dock pilings, brush, and in and around small coves and creek channels. The natural presentation of the skirt will be sure to trigger a strike from a hungry bass.

4. Jerkbaits.
   How could you leave out one of the most widely used baits in the modern fishing world? Jerkbaits offer a very lifelike approach when bass fishing, and with the abundance of baitfish during the fall, they offer a very enticing invitation. These baits are perfect for imitating a wounded baitfish, giving bass an easy, effortless meal. Fish them around large schools of bait and bass will automatically pick what seems to be the wounded fish out of the school. With lure patterns becoming more and more realistic each day, jerkbaits are a highly recommended lure to use during the fall months.

5. Topwater.
    Ah yes, topwater. Almost everyone's favorite type of lure. Many anglers will make the mistake of completely ruling topwater out of their baits to use once the cooler weather rolls in. Well there's good news! you don't have to put away that frog or popper just yet. With the water temp slowly cooling and becoming less hot, bass will become quite active chasing schools of bait in the early fall. This will no doubt trigger some insane topwater explosions from some hungry bass. So stick with it for a little while longer until it gets colder, you may just land a hawg.

Those are just some of the lures we recommend here at Dream Catchers Fishing. Hopefully, this gives you sort of an idea of the baits that will largely produce for you once the leaves start falling. Here at Dream Catchers HQ, we have a massive selection of all the baits mentioned above and much much more! Hopefully this post will help you become a more successful angler in the changing months, and we wish you the best of luck.

Tight Lines!










Come visit us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply at 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779

Fishing Report Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Chatuge and More! 06/23/17

Summer is HERE and fishing is WEIRD! The lakes across the mountains of Western NC and North GA are fishing a little odd for this time of the year but it's coming around! Water temps are raising rapidly and the fish are starting to stack and become easier to pattern! All the lakes are fishing a little different but all of the lakes are fishing similarly in a few ways. Here are the current conditions and reports for the lakes of Western NC and North GA!

Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 81*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There are some big spots and hybrids breaking in the mornings and pushing bait on points, shoals and humps. Largemouth on secondary points are doing similar things in the morning. Largemouth are cruising back waters, wolf packing bream beads and pushing the banks when the sun comes up. Occasional big bass on docks. Big spots randomly pushing herring periodically through the day. Fishing slow on points can produce some good bites! Frogging and glide baits will produce for some good largemouth where they are.

Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 75*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There is still a herring  spawn happening early in the morning! Top water is working well in the mornings and continues to work with cloud cover. A drop shot on deep brush and deep rock will produce well. Waterfalls are fishing well and doing extremely well during rainy conditions! A senko down the bank will catch some big fish randomly. Cruising fish are staying on the banks looking for last few spawning herring and bedding bream.

Fontana Lake
Water Temp: 80*
Clarity: 15ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There was a recent threadfin shad hatch on the lake and there are clouds of bait in the back of every creek! Big smallmouth are schooling on the small threadfin and big largemouth are in back waters. A frog will put some decent largemouth in the boat as well as a Keitech and spybait in the areas where bait is present!

Bear Lake
Water Temp: 77*
Clarity: 10ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: A lot of bream spawning and a threadfin up in the water column! Breaking fish are showing up towards the bottom of the lake near dam. Both largemouth and trout are in these schools! Frogging and throwing soft plastics around overhangs are catching numbers of fish and good size mixed in! Drop shotting points and a jig in deep brush will catch above average fish!

Nantahala Lake
Water Temp: 75*
Clarity: 15ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: Just like Glenville there are a few herring spawning on hard rocky shorelines. Fish are pushing shallow on overhanging banks and rocky points. Top water will produce numbers and some size! Drop shotting points and fishing deep brush will catch some solid fish. Creek heads and frogging go hand in hand! There are some solid fish in the cooler water! 

Lake Burton
Water Temp: 80*
Clarity: 6ft
Lake Level: 0
Pattern: There are some big spots breaking in the mornings and pushing bait on points, shoals and humps. Largemouth on secondary points are doing similar things in the morning. Largemouth are cruising back waters, wolf packing bream beads and pushing the banks when the sun comes up. Occasional big bass on docks. Big spots randomly pushing herring periodically through the day. Fishing slow on points can produce some good bites! Frogging and glide baits will produce for some good largemouth where they are.

Fishing Report Lake Glenville, Lake Chatuge, Lake Burton and Fontana Lake 4/24/17

We highly considered riding the boat to work today with all the rain we've had! It's been a weird year and the spawn is still on! I'd expect one last big wave of fish to get on bed with the next full moon on every lake but there are a ton of fish in the post spawn period! I'll break it down into estimated percentages with where the fish are in regard to the spawn on every lake.

Lake Glenville
Temp:62*
Clarity: 6ft
Level: Even
Pattern: 25% Prespawn, 50% Spawn, 25% Postspawn
Fishing Staging on wood and docks. Jig, spinnerbait, whooper plopper, worms and jerkbaits still playing. Top water season is here!!!!..... Kind of! They'll definitely eat a popper or walking style bait but we are a week or two out from some serious top water action!

Lake Chatuge
Temp:66*-70*
Clarity: 6ft
Level: -4
Pattern: 10% Prespawn, 20% Spawn, 70% Postspawn
It's almost time for the herring spawn to come on HOT! Fish are eating top water and swimbaits! When the shad spawn happens it's hard to beat shad imitating baits! You can always catch them on a worm or jig!


Lake Burton
Temp: 65*-68*
Clarity: 8ft
Level: -2
Pattern: 15% Prespawn, 25% Spawn, 60% Postspawn
Very similar to Chatuge, the herring and shad spawn is going to be picking up in no time and the fish will be feeding up heavy to get healthy after the spawn. Spinnerbaits, top water and swimbaits should play pretty well!

Fontana Lake
Temp: 68*-71*
Clarity: 10ft
Level: -18
Pattern: 15% Prespawn, 15% Spawn, 70% Postspawn
Spots will be schooling along with largemouth and smallmouth. Big bass will be pushing to the cool water in backs of creeks! Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water should be the ticket!

3/23/17 Bass Fishing Report: Lake Chatuge, Lake Glenville, Fontana Lake, Lake Burton

I personally believe SPRING HAS ARRIVED!!! Last weeks frigid temps appear to be the last ones on the extended forecast into April! We have totally been slacking on updated fishing reports as we have been super busy at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply with getting ready for our first spring! It's been more time in the shop and less time on the water. But let's dive into what is happening!

It is HARDCORE PRESPAWN!!! There are a ton of fish shallow and waves of fish moving shallower by the day! The daily temps are climbing and so are the water temperatures. We currently have a waning moon but when the moon begins to grow again at the beginning of April and the water warms to above 58* the spawn will be on! So whats happening now?

Lake Chatuge

Water Temp: 53-57

Clarity: 7ft

Water Level:-5

Pattern: The fish are feeding up heavy for the spawn and it's about to bust WIDE OPEN! Lots of fish, big fish, every fish! They are staging for the spawn. Getting in and around structure and cover before they move up to their beds! Anything shad looking covering water will play well! Spawning flats with visible structure and cover will be holding some fish! A pig and jig is always a good way to catch a big one this time of the year!

Lake Glenville

Water Temp: 48-52

Clarity: 9ft

Water Level:-3

Pattern: The fish are still running a lot of shad on points and pockets! Swimbaits and jerkbaits playing a good bit on bigger fish. A weedless craw style or jig style lure in wood will catch some studs at the same time a finesse worm style presentation will catch a few nice fish around docks.

Fontana Lake

Water Temp: 54-58

Clarity: 10ft

Water Level:-38

Pattern: Finesse jigs, drop shot and shakyhead will catch #'s of fish. Bluff walls and structure in the water will be holding a majority of bigger fish. Big largemouth are moving back to the flats in the backs of creeks to spawn and are getting on laydowns and cover. Jigs, floating worms and some swimbaits can catch the fish moving back.

Lake Burton

Water Temp: 53-57

Clarity: 8ft

Water Level:-3

Pattern: Docks are holding big fish while some big fish are still roaming and schooling. Big spots are packing herring back on flats and starting to move shallow as well. Swimbaits in a few different styles, jigs and jerkbaits catching some fish as well! Spinner baits playing well too! Look for Big bass in back water moving forward!

Frigid Freaks! Tips for Catching Bass in the Winter!

As I am typing this at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply the temperature outside is a whopping 14* and I can barely feel a small draft of could air squeezing through crack between the front doors... It's COLD!!! This time of the year can be intimidating, overwhelming and down right tough to fish! I thought it'd be great to highlight some of the best ways to catch some FREAK sized fish when the temps are FREAKY frigid!

1) Go Deep!

Deep water is one factor that can add to the intimidation of WINTER! Growing up beating the bank I learned to fish structure, cover, docks, blow downs and everything I could, never DEEP WATER. People would tell me, "the bass go into hibernation in the winter, that's why they don't eat." Although I'm trying to catch fish that are bear sized, the fish aren't bears so they don't hibernate, they migrate! They head to deep water where the FRIGID, FROZEN surface temperatures don't affect them. In the past 2 weeks I have consistently found a majority of the fish in DEEP WATER and I'm talking deeper that 40 with a majority being around 55ft-60ft.

2) Throw Simple!

When the fish are unbelievably deep and you're marking them with AMAZING Lowrance electronics, you can catch them with extremely simple techniques. Simple action, simple lures and simple presentations! A drop shot, hair jig, shaky head and ice jig/ jigging spoon.

3) Hunt!

If you're anything like me I love to catch GIANT fish. These fish are still active feeders in the winter! They live where you think they live and we love to throw BIG BAITS! Don't hesitate to hunt for these areas! IF you can mix a day filled with solid fish and #'s out deep and then combine it with a trophy fish you've had a DREAM DAY! Hunt for areas where local DNR does trout stocking in your lake, hunt for big rock and big cover! The FREAKS will EAT!

Come visit us a Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply! 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779!