Explore every episode of the podcast Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Corey and Ben sit down with Watha Fish Hatchery Superintendent Jeff Evans to discuss how the hatchery operates and supports angling opportunities for a variety of warmwater species across North Carolina. Tune in to hear about Striped Bass production and pick up tips for targeting these feisty fish in the late spring.

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

From walleye to muskellunge and beyond, discover how this unique hatchery fuels fishing across the state. Corey and Ben sit down with Assistant Superintendent Matthew Bodenhamer to explore the powerhouse behind many of North Carolina’s most sought‑after sportfish. Get a behind‑the‑scenes look at Table Rock Fish Hatchery, the state’s only coolwater facility.

Listen as Ben and Corey sit down with Josh Ballard of Deep Creek Lures, a Carolina-based tackle company. They compare fish-catching lure designs and chat about tournament angling. Get tips on winter bass fishing and other species to target in a season that many anglers overlook, but offers less pressure.

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

In November's episode, The Two Bald Biologists explore the Community Fishing Program, featuring 40+ lakes stocked with channel catfish. Hatchery Superintendent Rick Bradford spotlights McKinney Lake and its State Fish Hatchery, a prime destination for catfish anglers.

In this episode, Ben and Corey sit down with fisheries biologist Casey Joubert to explore the world of largemouth bass in North Carolina. Learn why bass fishing is so popular in the state and the details behind the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s F1 Bass stocking project.



Whether you're an avid angler, a conservation enthusiast, or just curious about fisheries science, this episode is packed with expert insights into bass biology, habitat management, and the future of largemouth bass fishing in North Carolina.

Join Corey and Ben as they sit down with District II Captain Kyle vanAlthuis for an inside look at life in the Law Enforcement Division. Kyle shares how NC Wildlife Officers collaborate with biologists and the public. This episode highlights how enforcement supports both conservation efforts and the angling community. From boating tips to fishing strategies, this episode blends conservation, education, and a deep love for the outdoors.

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.

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 under-the-radar fishery.

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.

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 aquatic plant initiative. 

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 aquatic plant initiative. 

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

NC Wildlife’s Two Bald Biologists talk kayak fishing with the North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association’s president, Mark Patterson, an avid and diverse kayak angler. We cover fishing for everything from Redear Sunfish to Flathead Catfish. If you are interested in getting into kayak fishing or are currently floating down a creek, this is the podcast for you. The conversation even touches on a fish biologist’s stance on a non-fish creature, the elusive Sasquatch.

Coastal North Carolina is often an overlooked destination for Largemouth Bass anglers. NCWRC Fisheries Biologist TD VanMiddlesworth joins Corey & Ben to talk about bass and bass fishing. We’ll discuss our coastal river bass surveys, hurricane fish kill recovery, and fishing the herring run. You may be surprised to learn just how good the fishing is at the coast.   

Kevin Dockendorf, Coastal Fisheries Research Coordinator, joins Ben and Corey to talk about the biology and how to fish for Coastal Crappies and the rare and elusive sunfish, the Flier. Tune in for great techniques and what we are learning about these fish.

Join Ben and Corey as they discuss riverine smallmouth bass fishing and biology with District 8 Fisheries Biologist David Goodfred. The group discuss how these native fish can offer excitement on light tackle and how NC Wildlife manages these fisheries throughout western North Carolina.

In case you missed the live show, tune into our first Facebook Live fishing podcast where Corey and Ben answered NC anglers most pressing questions.

Ben and Corey are joined by David Deaton, Fish Production Supervisor for the Inland Fisheries Division, to discuss the importance of fish production for not only fish we like to catch and eat, but for animals that are important to the biodiversity of our great state.

Corey and Ben go fishing and talk with Dieter Melhorn about techniques for fishing for reservoir catfish on Lake Wylie. The guys discuss why catfishing is increasing in popularity in North Carolina and why you should never eat anything banana while on a boat!

Corey and Ben are back at REDCREST 2023 talking with anglers Wesley Strader, Andy Montgomery, and the one and only Kevin Van Dam about the sport of bass fishing and the importance of fisheries conservation.

Ben and Corey are at REDCREST 2023 talking with Major League Fishing founder Gary Klein and anglers Britt Myers and Marty Robinson about the sport of bass fishing and the importance of fisheries conservation.

Corey and Ben welcome Seth Mycko the District 5 Fisheries Biologist to discuss why there are big Largemouth Bass in Jordan Lake.

Ben and Corey welcome Bob Branch, a native of Weldon, North Carolina, who grew up fishing on the Roanoke River. They discuss the history and all things Striped Bass fishing along the Roanoke River.

Ben and Corey speak with Christopher Smith, District 1 Fisheries Biologist, to discuss the rise and all of what was once a great fishery. They talk about both the biological and cultural importance of river herring to Eastern North Carolina rivers. What was once abundant has disappeared: Listen to find out what happened, where we are now and where we hope to be in the future.

Join Corey and Ben as they discuss the highs and lows of fishing for Muskie on the French Broad River. They discuss Muskie biology and fishing techniques with Tim Boyer, president of the Western NC Muskie Club and Scott Loftis, NCWRC Warmwater Fisheries Research Coordinator for the Mountain Region.

Hybrid Striped Bass are found in many of North Carolina’s piedmont lakes where habitat is not suitable for Striped Bass. They offer excellent angling action and table fare. NCWRC’s Piedmont Region Fisheries Research Coordinator Kelsey Roberts joins us to talk about Hybrid Striped Bass and some of the current research that has been conducted on Lake Norman

Ben and Corey talk with NCWRC Commissioner John Stone about some of the unique things he is doing on his ponds and pond management in general. Tune in for tips and strategies on how to manage your favorite pond.

A North Carolina native, Brook Trout, “The wildflower of the mountains.” Corey and Ben talk with the N.C. Wildlife Commission’s trout biologist, Jake Rash, about conserving brook trout and their importance to North Carolina.

Catfishing in North Carolina is growing rapidly. Join our two bald biologists, Corey and Ben, as they talk about balancing catfish angling opportunities and conservation concerns with flathead catfish record holder Tyler Barnes.

The Two Bald Biologists talk catfish fishing with North Carolina flathead catfish record holder Tyler Barnes. Tune in while we talk about fishing for trophy catfish, the catfish tournament scene, and all the gear necessary for success.

Hosts Corey and Ben talk crappie fishing with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Executive Director, Cam Ingram. Listen in and get tips and pointers from the Director himself.

Professional Bassmaster Elite Series angler Matt Arey from Shelby, North Carolina is back and joins hosts Corey and Ben to discuss all things Bass Fishing! Listen in as our two bald biologists and Matt discuss the invasive Alabama Bass and more issues facing bass fishing in NC.