New to Harnett County

Thank you all for the warm welcome and tips on local fishing. Right after I posted my intro, my dog got real sick and ended up in ICU at the NC State Veterinary Hospital. They saved his life, but it cost me a whole lot of time and money. I'll be contacting individuals for more information on Avents Ferry, Little River and the Cape Fear near Fayetteville. All sound like good possibilities that would allow me to go out with the little ones. My granddaughter is 8 yr old and has no problem managing the front seat on lakes. However, my personal passion is targeting Blue Cats near Raven Rock. Best tasting catfish I've ever eaten! Getting there is challenging, but good fishing, scenic beauty and getting buzzed by a bald eagle hooked me but good.

Since my last post, I went back to Raven Rock twice launching from Cape Fear River Adventures next to Howard's BBQ. The first trip took too long to motor up river and required several out of boat episodes to drag the canoe over rocks and rapids. Since then, I've upgraded to a bigger electric paddle and invested in a pair of hip waders. I'm getting to know the river better and am still searching for depth charts and aerial photos taken during low water conditions. I've rigged the Minn Kota to strap down the tilt release so it can bounce over rocks. With a block added to the transom to brace the shaft at vertical, it works well and I can also lock the shaft at dead ahead and steer with a paddle. I'm hoping to find a route that will allow me to solo a smaller boat up river and drift back. Since all my fishing buddies work and can't go out during the week, I'm saving money for a solo flatback canoe or something similar. Yesterday, I heard mention of a float tube contraption with foot rests which is intriguing because it allegedly fits in a backpack. Bottom line, my 3 man flatback canoe is too big for me to solo on my favorite stretch of river and an old back injury rules out kayaks.