Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks

Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists

Sports EN ↓ 55 episodes

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...

Author

Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.ncwildlife.gov

Latest episode

Jun 9, 2026

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Episodes

Westward Bound 09.07.2024

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.

Fishing the Pocosin Lakes 11.06.2024

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.

Municipal Lake Largemouth Bass: North Carolina’s Hidden Gems for Bass 01.05.2024

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.

Coastal Shad fishing with NC Wildlife Biologist David Belkoski 03.04.2024

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.  

Cold water Catfish: On the Cape Fear with Tyler Barnes 12.03.2024

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.

Fishing Access and Boat Ramps 13.02.2024

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...

Fishing 101 19.01.2024

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. 

Kayak Fishing NC from mountains to coast 12.12.2023

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...

Overlooked bass fishing in coastal North Carolina with NCWRC biologist TD VanMiddlesworth 08.11.2023

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.   

NC Coastal Crappies and Fliers 11.10.2023

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.

Riverine Smallmouth Bass Fishing: How Ben lost his sole in the heart of the Blue Ridge 27.09.2023

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.

Facebook Live Fishing Podcast Q & A with the Two Bald Biologists 15.09.2023

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.

Fish Production: Backbone of the Inland Fisheries Division 12.07.2023

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.

Lake Wylie Catfish and the Curse of the Banana Moonpie 14.06.2023

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!

REDCREST Special Edition #2 11.05.2023

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.

REDCREST Special Edition #1 11.05.2023

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.

Jordan Lake: Largemouth Bass With the Bass Fishing Biologist 10.05.2023

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

Roanoke River Striped Bass: River Rats and Hairy Worms 13.04.2023

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.

River Herring Past, Present, and Future! 08.03.2023

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.

Muskellunge on the French Broad River: The Curse of the White Squirrel 08.02.2023

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 the Fish With Many Names 11.01.2023

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

Ponds and Pond Management with NC Wildlife Commissioner John Stone 14.12.2022

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.

North Carolina’s mountain Brook Trout “The wildflower of the mountains.” 09.11.2022

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.

Talking Catfish With NC Record Holder Tyler Barnes 12.10.2022

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.

Trophy Catfish Tournaments and Tactics With Tyler Barnes 16.09.2022

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.

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