Better Fishing With Two Bald Biologists Podcast
Fish smarter, hook more, and learn the science behind the catch.
Listen to the Two Bald Biologists on your favorite streaming platform.
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Play, Youtube, and Amazon. The podcast is also available on Pocket Casts, Overcast, Audible, Castbox, Castro, Podbean, Acast and Goodpods.
New episodes drop on the second Tuesday of every month.
Get the latest North Carolina fishing tips, research projects, and Wildlife initiatives.
Avid anglers Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks are NC Wildlife Resources Commission biologists. They help anglers understand the fish and fisheries in North Carolina while promoting conservation.
Combine wildlife biology with angling techniques.
The monthly podcast connects NC Wildlife research to fishing in North Carolina.
Podcast guests include:
- Fisheries biologists
- Tournament anglers
- Fishing guides
In each monthly episode, learn how to improve your catch whether it’s fishing in the Mountains, Piedmont, or Coast.
The Two Bald Biologists on YouTube
The podcast is recorded at NC Wildlife HQ and shared on YouTube. Check out the latest video episode!
Let's talk fishing!
Corey and Ben answer questions submitted by anglers at the end of every episode. Get answers to:
- Seasonal fishing patterns
- Conservation and regulations
- Local hotspots and hidden gems
- Techniques and gear
Corey Oakley: Assistant Chief of Sportfish Management for the Inland Fisheries Division
Ben Ricks: Coastal Region Supervisor of the Inland Fisheries Division
About the Two Bald Biologists
Corey Oakley's passion for all things fish began at an early age while fishing with his father along the Neuse River. He loved to fish for large bluegill and redears, which his family referred to as shellcrackers, as a kid. Ben Ricks grew up in Roanoke Rapids, within walking distance of the Roanoke River and both of his grandparents had ponds. Fishing with his Dad, Pop Pop, and Grandaddy as a kid began a lifelong passion for Ben.
A passion for fishing led Corey to N.C State University, where he received both a bachelor's and a master's degree in fisheries science. He studied a variety of fish including:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- striped bass
- hybrid striped bass
- crappie
- catfish
- sturgeon
Ben was amazed by fish behavior, especially the migration patterns of shad and striped bass. He completed a master’s degree in fisheries management from Auburn University. Fisheries science and management are now just as interesting as fishing is to Ben.
Ben has degrees, fish citations, tournament trophies, and fish on the wall, but his biggest achievement came when his aunt told him, “You are the fisherman your granddaddy always wanted to be.”
Corey spent more than 18 years as a fisheries biologist in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. In his free time, he will fish for hybrid striped bass, crappie, and Roanoke bass.
"I am more passionate about fishing in North Carolina than ever before," says Corey.
Ben and Corey host Better Fishing with Two Bald Biologists to combine their knowledge of fisheries science and love of fishing. They teach anglers fisheries science and management, as well as strategies to hook more fish.
"Our hope is to help anglers learn more about fish so they can catch more fish," says Corey and Ben.
