Fishing Report Lake Glenville, Lake Chatuge, Fontana Lake, Nantahala Lake and Lake Burton- June 26th

It's summer and that means boat traffic. The water is warm but there are a lot of fish being caught! Top water lures and smaller baits are catching some solid fish! Here are the specific patterns and techniques on each lake!

Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 78*
Clarity: 8ft
Water Level: Full Pool
Pattern: There are some breaking smallmouth out on points and bays early in the morning. Covering water with spook style lures is definitely a ticket to catching some big bass in the morning. As the sun gets up a drop shot will catch them out off points. A keitech and small ned rig are also good. Some bass are up shallow cruising for bream, a frog and a whopper plopper are catching some good fish!


Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 83*
Clarity: 8ft
Water Level: Full Pool
Pattern: Off shore spotted bass is the most constant and reliable bite on Chatuge this time of the year. Brush piles, points and off shore rock piles will hold the big spots! Looking for largemouth up shallow is what we like to do but they are few and far between. Covering water with top water and swimbaits are the ticket to getting on the largemouth. 


Fontana Lake
Water Temp: 83*
Clarity: 15ft
Water Level: Full Pool
Pattern: Bass are chasing threadfin early in the morning and you can find breaking fish periodically through the day in some areas. If you are around breaking fish, stay around them! They will feed on small swimbaits, top water and some drop shot lures vertically. 


Nantahala Lake
Water Temp: 77*
Clarity: 15ft
Water Level: Full Pool
Pattern: Largemouth up shallow cruising and smallmouth breaking in the morning. Bite is dead after 10am but you can move off shore with small swimbaits and boat some decent smallmouth. Senko's and Keitech's will do most of the damage!


Lake Burton
Water Temp: 81*
Clarity: 8ft
Water Level: Full Pool
Pattern: Top water on shoals and points! Wolf packs up shallow, frogging and whopper ploppers are most effective. Catching some fish off shore on drop shots is good too!

Virtual Tour of the Shop

                If you've never actually been inside the Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply shop, your missing out! We have an enormous selection of top of the line tackle, apparel, and more. For those of you who have not visited the store itself, we've compiled a few photos that may just entice you to stop on by and have a visit!

-


BAITS GALORE!
Inside our shop we carry premium brands that offer great quality lures for an awesome price. We pride ourselves on the great quality that we promote and the brands that we carry in the shop. Anything from jerkbaits to frogs, we have some of the best lures on the market.

And Soft Plastics... 

We also have a tremendous selection of soft plastics. Whether you're looking for craws, trickworms, or swimbaits, we got what you need. Our vast selection and knowledgeable staff will assist you with finding the perfect baits to slay some hogs. 

Rod and Reels.

We carry a great selection of high quality rods whether it be daiwa. gloomis, or duckett. All of our rods are well priced and are of the upmost quality. We have all different action rods to fit your style of fishing. As for our reels, we carry an awesome selection of different Daiwa reels. All metal components prove to be great durable quality out on the water, so if you're looking for a new reel... or two, swing on in and take a look at our casting and spinning selection. 

Eyewear.

In store, we carry some of the highest quality polarized shades on the market. We believe that the quality and durablilty of Costa sunglasses is second to none when you're out on the water. We have a great variation of sunglasses to choose from. Come by and try on a pair.. We're sure you'll become a believer as well. We also have a great selection of fishing apparel including hats, performance shirts, hoodies, and facemasks. 

We didn't forget about you fly fisherman out there. We provide a ton of different fly tackle that is of great quality. No matter what type of fisherman you are, we got you covered. 

So there you have it! that's just a quick glimpse inside our shop. Once again, if you haven't been by yet to check us out, come swing by and have a look around. We have commited ourselves to selling only the highest of quality gear for our fellow fisherman who share our same love and passion for the sport. 

Come Visit Us at Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply on 21 Steeple Road, Sylva NC, 21779

2018 Western North Carolina Top 10 Fishing Lakes

We have so many great fisheries in Western NC (west of Asheville) and most of them are extremely deep and clear reservoirs! Every lake provides anglers with different opportunities for different species and the opportunity for quantities of fish and quality of fish! Some lakes are more diverse, some lakes have larger fish and some lakes have more fish! This is the where they stack up against one another as of 2018!!!

Lake Chatuge, Hayesville NC
Current Rank #1: 
Previous Rank #1
Size: 7,000 Acres
Without question Lake Chatuge is one of the most diverse fisheries in Western NC! Filled with all kinds of baitfish species it makes for one of the healthiest predatory fish habitats! Filled with gizzard shad, threadfin shad and blueback herring, Lake Chatuge largemouth, spotted bass and hybrid stripers grow to trophy sizes! Though this lake has tapered off in the number of big bags on any given weekend it can show up with a number of mid 20lb bags of largemouth and spotted bass!


Lake Glenville, Cashiers NC
Current Rank #2
Previous Rank #2
Size: 1,500 Acres
Lake Glenville is the highest lake in elevation east of the Mississippi River. It's cold deep water is a nice home for GIANT smallmouth and big largemouth! The blueback herring, yellow perch and native shiners make every fish species in the lake grow to trophy size! This lake has a possible smallmouth state record lurking in the depths! The lake is also home to big walleye, brown trout, rainbow trout and the occasional spotted bass as well!


Fontana Lake, Bryson City NC
Current Rank #3
Previous Rank #7
Size: 10,250 Acres
The mighty Fontana was known nationally as one of the most prolific big smallmouth fisheries in the country in the 90's and early 2000's! With the introduction of invasive spotted bass to Fontana the lake really spiraled out of control with the quantity of fish and lack of quality. Recently, there have been big bass starting to show up in numbers and the lake is definitely starting to respond to the blueback herring population! This lake probably won't wow you with the size of the bass but every once in a while GIANTS come out to play!


Nantahala Lake, Nantahala NC
Current Rank #4
Previous Rank #5
Size: 1,750 Acres
Way up through the back roads of the Nantahala National Forest is a beautiful mountain gem filled with all kinds of amazing fish! Nantahala Lake has a big threadfin shad population and a growing blueback herring population that feeds the smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and walleye! This lake is filled with trophy sized yellow perch, rainbow trout and brown trout as well! 


Lake Hiwassee, Murphy NC
Current Rank #5
Previous Rank #4
Size: 6,100 Acres
Tucked in the very west corner of North Carolina is a lake filled with a ton of beautiful views and GIANT fish! This lake is home of the state record smallmouth bass and is known to produce large fish! Big largemouth are very present as well as big stripers! Lake Hiwassee is thick with baitfish species! Threadfin shad, gizzard shad, blueback herring, trout, bream, perch and crawfish! Though the lake moved down in the rankings it is still a big fish factory! You can also catch good numbers of spotted bass as well!


Lake Apalachia, Hiwassee Dam NC
Current Rank #6
Previous Rank #4
This little hole in the wall lake in Western NC is full of GIANT bass! Smallmouth and largemouth gorge on trout and blueback herring in Apalachia! This fishery has some tanks and they stock trout to help control the herring population. It's well worth the adventure! Though it has moved down in the rankings, the fishing is still awesome!



Lake Junaluska, Waynesville NC
Current Rank #7
Previous Rank #6
Lake J is 200 acres and filled with fish that will make you smile! The lake will surprise you with phenomenal trophy bass! Local communities stocks it with trout during the winter! It's a trolling motor only lake that doesn't see a lot of fishing pressure! It may be small but it is one of the best lakes in the mountains, don't let the size fool you! There are a ton of perch and crappy in the lake which are fun to catch! The perch and crappy also grow the giant bass!



Bear Lake, Tuckasegee NC
Current Rank #8
Previous Rank #9
Bear lake is definitely a local favorite! Loaded with BIG bass and BIG trout Bear lake has a ton of trophy sized fish! This lake may actually possess the state record walleye too! The fish grow big in the deep clear water! This is a must fish if you've never fished it!


Wolf Creek Lake, Tuckasegee NC
Current Rank #9
Previous Rank #10
Wolf Creek sets up a lot like Bear Lake! Big walleye, trout, largemouth and smallmouth! Filled with threadfin shad and deep, clear water Wolf Creek can bring out the STUDS! It's beautiful shoreline, cliffs and beaches are great to fish for the different species! Way up 281 in Tuckasegee, it is well worth the drive!



Lake Santeetlah, Robbinsville NC
Current Rank #10
Previous Rank #8
Located right next to Tail of The Dragon is the beautiful Lake Santeetleh! This lake has a very healthy population of largemouth bass and quite a few smallmouth! The size can be suspect as there are a ton of 1 pound to 1 1/2 pound fish in Santeetlah. Definitely a top 10 fishery of Western NC!

Fishing Lake Jocassee

            Lake Jocassee is a man made reservoir located the northwest region of South Carolina. Known for its crazy clear water, Lake Jocassee is a fairly large lake, averaging around 7500 acres and having a depth as deep as 300 feet. This lake is one that should be on any anglers bucket list. The reason being the challenge and reward. Lake Jocassee is exceptionally deep in most parts and incredibly clear. This makes the bass fishing a little more tricky according to certain anglers. According to Jeff Samsel, a writer for the "Game and Fish Magazine", "Anglers must learn to find and fish structure they cannot see from the surface and often must turn to lighter lines, deeper deliveries and smaller offerings than they are accustomed to throwing." This lake is not your average run of the mill lake where bass are right where you would expect them to be. Don't let this fool you though. According to local anglers who have mastered Jocassee, almost every fish that is caught, is usually a monster. 

Lake Jocassee is not only known for it's advanced bass fishing, but also for the insane trout fishery. Due to the many tributaries flowing into the reservoir, the presence of big trout is abundant in the lake. VERY abundant. 

Lake Jocassee has even been known to hold striper in its crystal clear depths, giving this large mass of water a mysterious aura surrounding it. This lake is definately a lake that is home to once in a lifetime opportunities. We are happy to announce we will begin trips down to Lake Jocassee in the following months. If you'd like a chance to fish with us on this lake, stop by and give us a visit!

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

Bass Fishing Report Lake Chatuge, Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Burton- January 2018

WOW! It has been a COLD past couple of weeks in the Smoky Mountain region! The water temps are dropping extremely fast but don't be alarmed the fish are still chewing! This time of the year if you can brave the cold or get a warmer day to get on the water, you can do some damage to the fish! The bass group up really well in the winter and just like most times of the year the key to finding them on these deep clear reservoirs is finding the SHAD! There are 6 key techniques that we rely on in the winter that can be used on all of the lakes during the winter! Underspin, A-Rig, Football Jig, Jigging Spoon, Ned Rig and a Swimbait!

Lake Glenville
Water Temp: 43*
Clarity: 12ft
Water Level: -16
Pattern: The water is extremely far down but don't let it deter you from getting out there! It is tough to launch the boat because the launches are just about out of the water but the fish are eating! This time of the year the fish are grouping up in ditches and off shore in the stable deep water! Jigging spoons, Damiki Rig's, and underspins will catch some fish out deep. Dragging a jig will also prove itself as a worthy weapon! The two go to's this time of the year are a Megabass Vision110+1 and a Duo Realis Spybait! In windy conditions the jerkbait is the deal, where in calm conditions the spybait is.

Lake Chatuge
Water Temp: 48*
Clarity: 10ft
Water Level: -10
Pattern: A lot of fish are starting their winter time suspending! An a-rig, spoon, drop shot and underspin are and will continue to play throughout the winter. Off shore structure, humps and ditches will hold a lot of fish! On the occasional warm day look for some largemouth moving shallow on docks and wood with a jig! A ned rig is also a beast lure this time of the year on Chatuge!

Fontana Lake
Water Temp: 46*-51*
Clarity: 15ft
Water Level: -65
Pattern: Suspended fish are in good numbers throughout the lake! A lot of balls of threadfin and herring are hanging out in that 60ft-80ft zone. Points and the middle of pockets and creeks have a lot of fish! A small spoon is lethal on every species out deep! A small underspin is a great go to! There are a few fish to be had shllower with a jig and swimbait!

Lake Burton
Water Temp: 49*
Clarity: 10ft
Water Level: -10
Pattern: The water is down on Burton compared to past winters but the fish are doing great! There is not a lot of shore line structure in the water but the fish are really ganged up of shore! Creek channels, bluff walls and off shore humps and structure have big largemouth and spotted bass! Schooling fish will be present too! A single keitech, or an underspin will catch some solid fish! An a-rig will also put fish in the boat as well!

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