Episode Details

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by Ben Ricks, Assistant Chief of Fisheries Management and Coastal Region Supervisor with the Inland Fisheries Division of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Ben is also one of the hosts of Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists, and he brings a fisheries biologist’s perspective to one of the most talked-about bass fishing destinations in the country.

We start the episode with a broad overview of North Carolina bass fishing, including the different types of opportunities anglers can find across the state — from inland lakes and rivers to coastal river systems loaded with largemouth bass potential.

Then, around the 25-minute mark, we dive into a full breakdown of the Roanoke River, Pasquotank River, Albemarle Sound, and the surrounding connected waters leading into the Bassmaster Elite Series event on the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound.

This fishery exploded onto the national bass fishing scene after the 2025 Bassmaster Elite event, where Kyle Welcher put together a historic performance with over 118 pounds and won by more than 45 pounds. But with the 2026 Bassmaster Elite event taking place in June instead of April, anglers could face a completely different challenge.

In this episode, we talk about what makes the Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound so unique, including wind-driven water movement, connected rivers and creeks, forage, largemouth bass behavior, coastal North Carolina habitat, and why this fishery has the potential to produce giant tournament bags.

If you are a Bassmaster fan, tournament angler, North Carolina bass fisherman, or someone who loves learning about fisheries management and bass behavior, this episode will give you a deeper look at one of the most unpredictable and exciting stops on the Bassmaster Elite Series schedule.

Topics Covered:

•  North Carolina bass fishing
•  Bassmaster Elite Series Pasquotank River preview
•  Albemarle Sound bass fishing
•  Roanoke River largemouth bass fishing
•  Pasquotank River fishing report
•  Coastal North Carolina bass fishing
•  Wind-driven water movement and bass behavior
•  Fisheries management with Ben Ricks
•  Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists
•  Why this fishery can produce giant bags

Subscribe to Fishing the DMV for more bass fishing reports, tournament breakdowns, fisheries management conversations, and regional fishing coverage across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

Ben Ricks contact information: ben.ricks@ncwildlife.gov
 
link to Two Bald Biologist Podcast: Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists" is a monthly podcast featuring North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists