153 Charters
About
153 Charters is captained by James McManus. I am a Coast Guard Licensed
Charter Boat Captain. For 35 years I have lived in the Sylva, North Carolina area. Most
of that time i was in the contracting business, but I have always found time to
explore the diverse fisheries that the mountains have to offer. In 2009 I
decided to start a full time guide service.
A real plus for the area are the many different types of water present. They range from deep reservoirs, to shallow mountain streams and the variety available is a lot of fun to explore. Along with each different body of water there are also many different fish types, all with their own schedules and tendencies. My focus is on the area lakes, but will combine trips to include some fly-only stream trips into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I also am licensed in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, so I am able to put together coastal trips for saltwater species. I can accommodate up to three people and love to take kids as well as veteran anglers that may want to try for species not normally accessible in the south.
Most trips will include shots at Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and White Bass. Some lakes offer Striped Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Catfish and Bream. Trout which can include Rainbow, Brown and Brook [both native and stocked] can be caught in both lakes and streams. Methods are dependent on the species and time of year, but can include casting artificials, bait fishing, trolling, flyfishing and night fishing. Book a trip and let me share what is one of the most diverse fishing experiences that can be had anywhere in the country.
A real plus for the area are the many different types of water present. They range from deep reservoirs, to shallow mountain streams and the variety available is a lot of fun to explore. Along with each different body of water there are also many different fish types, all with their own schedules and tendencies. My focus is on the area lakes, but will combine trips to include some fly-only stream trips into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I also am licensed in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, so I am able to put together coastal trips for saltwater species. I can accommodate up to three people and love to take kids as well as veteran anglers that may want to try for species not normally accessible in the south.
Most trips will include shots at Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and White Bass. Some lakes offer Striped Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Catfish and Bream. Trout which can include Rainbow, Brown and Brook [both native and stocked] can be caught in both lakes and streams. Methods are dependent on the species and time of year, but can include casting artificials, bait fishing, trolling, flyfishing and night fishing. Book a trip and let me share what is one of the most diverse fishing experiences that can be had anywhere in the country.
Most trips will be made in a 22 ft. Panga. Pangas were originally
built for developing nations in Central America as commercial fishing and transport vessels. They are safe, fast and are very efficient to run, as well as
being versatile for the different types of fishing situations
encountered. The same set-up can be used for trolling deep lakes, live
baiting stripers, traditional bass fishing, and even nearshore and
flats coastal fishing. The boat is powered by a 115 Yamaha four-stroke
outboard, and has a 24-volt Minn-Kota trolling motor. Aboard are two
Lowarance gps sonar units. There are at times, downriggers, baitwells
and planers used. All fishing equipment is top quality Penn, Shimano,
Shakespeare, or Abu-Garcia.
