Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Corey and Ben hit the water with NC Wildlife’s Ryan Kennemur, a self-proclaimed rusty angler on the hottest day of the year. Listen in as they dive into starter gear every new angler needs, luck vs. persistence while fishing, and more.

Ben and Corey talk with Biologist Troy Thompson about catching sunfish in North Carolina’s Sandhills. Tune in to learn what makes the region unique and the challenges of managing quality sunfish fisheries.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.'

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.