The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is still on my to-do list.
And, with the Aquarium staff hosting an all-day workshop, I have an even greater incentive to make the two-hour drive.
My ocean fishing skills are limited, but I have hands-on evidence that shows there are actually fish in the ocean.
The aquarium’s workshop is wildly popular with people driving a lot further away than Lumberton to learn exactly how to land the big ones.
Here’s more about the workshop from the N.C. Aquarium’s program:
The one-day course will feature a panel of experienced anglers and local charter captains who will answer questions on the sport.
Get Hooked runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Aquarium. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Registration can be made by phone, at the Aquarium’s visitor services desk, and online at the link www.ncaquariums.com/pks-special-events, wher prices are also listed.
“Get Hooked Fishing School provides participants a wealth of knowledge on our local saltwater fisheries from some of the most respected guides in our area,” said Wayne Justice, NCAPKS special activities instructor. “It’s always a lot of fun bringing everyone together for some enjoyable fishing fellowship.”
The school offers an opportunity to gather a lot of information in one day in one place. The event includes lessons on a variety of topics, a catered lunch, giveaways, and drawings for some great fishing gear.
Participants will also learn about tackle and gear selection that will help them prepare for each outing on the water.
“Working with the local guides provides a lot of insight on the behavior of the variety of saltwater fish species we find in our area as well as a lot of great information on the variety of our local habitats,” Justice said.
Presenters during the 2025 Get Hooked Fishing School include Captain Joe Tunstall, Captain Jeff Cronk, Captain Chris Kimrey, Captain Jake Geary, Captain Mitchel Blake.
Topics of learning during the 2025 event include, inshore habitats and species, speckled trout, sheepshead, nearshore habitats and species, false albacore, Spanish mackerel and blues, cobia, king mackerel, and red drum.
Visit the website for more information and to register www.ncaquariums.com/pks-special-events.
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C Symphony, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov
David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Reach him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.