Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Avid anglers Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks are North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists. Listen in as they help anglers understand more about the fish and fisheries in North Carolina while promoting conservation of valuable natural resources. These monthly podcasts will link the research and surveys conducted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to fishing in North Carolina. Our hope is to help anglers learn more about fish, so they can catch more fish. Our expert guests will include biologists, anglers, and fishing industry professionals to talk fish and fishing in North Carolina. Thank you for listening and please submit questions and feedback to twobaldbiologists@ncwildlife.org

Episodes

June 10, 2025 52 mins

Ben and Corey head west to explore one of North Carolina’s best-kept fishing secrets, Walleye. Join them as they sit down with wildlife biologist Powell Wheeler and local fishing guide Don LaTulipe to dive into the spring spawning Walleye run and how to find them. This episode offers expert insights, regional knowledge, and fishing stories from the edge of the walleye’s southern range. Don’t miss this look at a fascinating and unde...

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Join Ben and Corey as they discuss fishing Lake Hiwassee for trophy striped bass. They're accompanied by District 9 biologist Powell Wheeler and guide Don LaTulipe as they search for the new state record. Along the way, it’s clear that Ben and Corey still have what it takes to reel in striped bass!

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April 8, 2025 60 mins

Corey and Ben chat with coastal biologist Mason Collins about his experience as a new hire at the Wildlife Resources Commission. They dive into fish harvest and the ethical questions posed by anglers. If you've ever wondered how fish biologists view fish harvest, this is the podcast for you!

Tune in for valuable insights that may influence how you approach fish harvesting on your next fishing trip.

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March 11, 2025 63 mins

Corey and Ben are joined by Kelsey Roberts, “The White Bass Biologist,” to dive into the exciting springtime spawning runs of white bass in North Carolina. Kelsey shares her knowledge on this beloved species, offering tips on the best locations and baits to use for a successful catch.

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Join Corey and Ben as they sit down with Christian Waters, Chief of Inland Fisheries, to explore the ins and outs of fisheries regulations. Why do these rules exist? Who do they impact? Are they even necessary? Tune in as they dive deep into the world of fisheries management. 

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Hurricane Helene devastated many North Carolina mountain communities last September. In this episode, Corey and Ben discuss how fish respond to natural disasters, how the Commission plans to rebuild destroyed mountain trout hatcheries, and how our staff are assessing the affected streams and habitats while planning for the future.

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In this two-part podcast series, Corey and Ben sit down with professional bass anglers Matt Arey and Bryan Thrift, two of the most respected names in the bass fishing community. Based in North Carolina, their achievements have earned them national recognition. Tune in as Matt and Bryan share their expert insights on key topics such as bass fishing techniques, bass conservation efforts, stocking programs, and the NCWRC’s native aqua...

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In this two-part podcast series, Corey and Ben sit down with professional bass anglers Matt Arey and Bryan Thrift, two of the most respected names in the bass fishing community. Based in North Carolina, their achievements have earned them national recognition. Tune in as Matt and Bryan share their expert insights on key topics such as bass fishing techniques, bass conservation efforts, stocking programs, and the NCWRC’s native aqua...

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November 12, 2024 55 mins

Our two bald biologists are joined by Assistant Fish Chief Rachael Hoch to discuss both the harmful effects and the fishing opportunities presented by aquatic nuisance species. Learn how these aquatic nuisance species threaten our native aquatic life and why it's crucial to educate one another about not introducing animals into environments where they don't belong. And remember—doing so could land you in a 'blue light special.'

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October 8, 2024 61 mins

Ben and Corey are joined by District Fisheries Biologist Deon Kerr to learn about carping. While Ben and Corey are new to the sport, Deon's enthusiasm reveals just how much fun carping can be—tune in to learn essential skills you will need to wrestle these water donkeys! 

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September 19, 2024 55 mins

In this episode, Corey and Ben chat with Doug Besler, Mountain Region Supervisor, about trout fishing in North Carolina. Discover expert insights on trout management and the best fishing spots across the state.

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Ever wonder how Ben & Corey became the Bald Biologists? We are dropping a bonus episode to talk about that, NC fishing, and the work of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Your hosts also share how you can contact your local fish biologist.

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September 10, 2024 59 mins

Listen into the second annual Facebook Live question and answer session. Ben and Corey talk about their recent fishing trips and respond to angler questions in real time on Facebook Live. The two bald biologists cover a variety of angler topics from all over North Carolina.

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July 9, 2024 52 mins

The 2 Bald Biologist head to Lake Apalachia, the westernmost point in North Carolina in search of trophy Brown Trout. Listen in as Corey and Ben discuss this hidden jewel of the Blue Ridge with District 9 Fisheries Biologist Amanda Bushon and longtime area angler David Woody.

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June 11, 2024 58 mins

Ben and Corey are joined by District 1 Fisheries Biologists Chris Smith and Deon Kerr as they try to tackle fishing clear shallow water for quality Largemouth Bass at Lake Phelps.

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In this episode, Corey and Ben talk bass fishing in North Carolina’s many municipal lakes with long time Piedmont biologist Lawrence Dorsey. Discover quality bass fishing in these unique waterbodies scattered throughout North Carolina.

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Our two bald biologists, Ben and Corey, talk about spring shad fishing with NC Wildlife biologist David Belkoski. No shad topic is safe. We cover the biology of shad and fishing for them throughout the coast. Listen in to glean tips that will help you become a better shad angler and understand why shad migrate from the Bay of Fundy to our back yards.  

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Join Corey and Ben discussing winter catfishing on the Cape Fear River with prominent North Carolina catfish angler, Tyler Barnes. Our two bald biologists talk about catfish fishing tactics and conservation concerns.

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February 13, 2024 61 mins

Corey and Ben talk with Nick Shaver, NC Wildlife’s Land and Water Access Division Coastal Ecoregion Supervisor, about boat ramps and public fishing areas across North Carolina. Our two bald biologists talk fishing, boating, and the significant work the Land and Water Access Division does for North Carolina anglers and boaters. Nick also shares a secret tip about his favorite lure, the spinner bait.

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January 19, 2024 68 mins

Ben and Corey talk about the basics of fishing tackle. How to get started with minimal expense. If you have never fished and are thinking about getting in to fishing for yourself or for your children, this is the podcast for you. Listen all the way to the end to find out how you can win a Better Fishing with Two Bald Biologist swag bag. 

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