Professional Anglers from North Carolina
Being a Creative Director in the outdoors industry and one who loves to fish in my personal life AND have wonderful sponsors / partners to do it somewhat on a “professional” level, I put together a list of some of the best (and real) pro anglers right here in our beautiful state of North Carolina.
North Carolina has long been home to some of the most respected anglers in the country. From the mountains to the coast, the state produces tournament champions, charter captains, and innovative fly fishing guides who carry a national reputation. If you’re searching for North Carolina professional anglers, here are some of the most notable names across bass, saltwater, and fly fishing.
Bass Fishing Pros
Bass fishing runs deep in the Carolinas, and North Carolina anglers are regulars on the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing circuits.
Bryan Thrift (Shelby, NC)
One of the top bass anglers in the world, with a REDCREST 2023 championship and two FLW Angler of the Year titles.
Hank Cherry (Lincolnton, NC)
A Bassmaster Classic champion known for his mastery of jerkbaits.
Shane LeHew (Catawba, NC)
Competes on the Bassmaster Elite Series, recognized for his shallow-water techniques.
David Fritts (Lexington, NC)
A veteran angler famous for his crankbait skills, competing at the highest levels for decades.
Matt Arey (Shelby, NC)
A consistent Elite Series competitor with a strong record across national tournaments.
Jake Whitaker (Fairview, NC)
One of the younger Elite Series anglers representing the Tar Heel State.
Saltwater & Inshore Guides
The state’s coastlines and estuaries are world-class fisheries, and a few standout guides have built professional reputations leading anglers to trophy catches.
Captain Sarah Gardner (Outer Banks / Nags Head, NC)
A highly respected charter captain offering saltwater fly and light-tackle trips for red drum, stripers, and speckled trout.
Captain Gary Dubiel (New Bern, NC)
Runs Spec Fever charters in the Pamlico Sound region, targeting redfish, speckled trout, and striped bass with both fly and conventional tackle.
Fly Fishing Professionals & Influencers
Western North Carolina’s mountain streams have produced a wave of skilled fly fishing guides, including women who are shaping the future of the sport.
Katie Cahn
A western NC guide specializing in rivers like the Tuckasegee and Nantahala.
Abbi Bagwell (Brevard, NC)
Known as “streamer chick,” she guides and creates content around trout fishing.
Debbie Gillespie (Davidson River area, NC)
Guide with Davidson River Outfitters and a mentor to new female anglers.
Sarah Gardner
Also a leader in saltwater fly fishing, bridging the freshwater and coastal sides of the sport.
Other notable NC women in fly fishing
Shannon Whitworth, Reba Brinkman, Kelly Bruce, Alyssa Adcock, and Cassie Spurling are among those making waves in the region.
Why North Carolina Stands Out
What sets North Carolina professional anglers apart is the state’s diversity of water. From clear mountain streams to sprawling reservoirs like Lake Norman and the expansive Pamlico Sound, anglers here master multiple environments. That versatility has helped produce world champions, innovative guides, and a community that continues to influence fishing nationwide.
