Highlights of the Carolina Outdoors

Segment 3, August 26th, 2023 There are many places in the Carolinas that are hidden in plain sight. One of which was recently written about by our friend, Joe Marusak, from the Charlotte Observer. He’s been working at the Charlotte Observer for over thirty years and covers a ton of stories. We’re going to learn a little about one of North Carolina’s smaller lakes that hugs up next to NC’s largest manmade lake, Lake Norman. Joe recently wrote about Lake Davidson & the query of it being a part of Lake Norman. That story led to an invite to meet Lake Cornelius & this August 22 article. During this chat with host Bill Bartee from the local Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s, Marusak gives us his first hand experience of adventuring one recent Sunday on Lake Cornelius. He also let’s us know that all the lakes were formed by Duke Energy when they created the 32,475 acre, Lake Norman. For this reason & the management of the Lake under federal license, both Cornelius & Davidson are considered part of Lake Norman by Duke. Marusak let’s the listeners of the Carolina Outdoors know about the wildlife, the quietness, & the community of people that seek escape on Lake Cornelius. Also, that Lake Cornelius is accessed at a YMCA that is located in Davidson, NC. Just to keep all visitors on their toes. Oh yes! Lake Cornelius’s 125-acres is a lot cooler if you’re escaping the heat. Joe described the shade & breeze that made his Sunday paddle trip pleasant. This segment of the Carolina Outdoors was powered by the Sonic Fly Rod available in Charlotte at Jesse Brown’s.    

Segment 4, August 26, 2023 There’s still time to go for a swim this summer or a hike. Although if you do head out for a hike, stay in the shade & take plenty of water. Lee Clinton from the Grounds Crew at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA, gave us his breakdown of this annual tradition. Joe Marusak from The Charlotte Observer for joining us on the Carolina Outdoors. His articles on Lake Davidson & Lake Cornelius have helped us find places to escape in plain sight in the Charlotte outdoor scene. Thanks to both guests & TJ “the DJ” Boggs for helping make the Carolina Outdoors happen!  

Segment 1, August 19th, 2023 All aboard this train called the Carolina Outdoors. Whether an early riser, late comer-in, or listening via the podcast–we’re glad you are here. This week: Raz Reid with Sage Fly Rods & Fishpond joins us to talk about the health of the fly fishing industry. Langston Wertz, Jr from the Charlotte Observer talks Charlotte-area high school football. with: Host Bill Bartee, from Charlotte fly fishing outfitter, Jesse Brown’s. Plus, upcoming events happening with & at the brick & mortar, Jesse Brown’s

Segment 2, August 19th, 2023 The Outdoor Industry Association recently released the report that over fifty-four million people over the age of 6 went fishing during 2022. This was a four percent increase from 2021. The same report also noted that the Hispanic population going fishing has increased 45% over the past decade. Also, the number of female anglers increased nearly by 4 million people since 2012, from 16 to 19.8 million. Raz Reid of Reid & Associates has travelled the southeast purveying fly fishing goods to fly shops like Jesse Brown’s. He’s done this for the past thirty-five years & joins the Carolina Outdoors to share his insights. He’ll report on the influx of fly anglers from the movie, A River Runs Through It, released in 1992 & it’s comparison to the number of the fly fishing public that entered into the sport during the Pandemic. Reid has worked through the sport since its perceived time as a tweed sport coat-sport to the growth of the sport on the coasts of the world with Saltwater fly fishing. The sport continues to grow but there is literally still space for more. He speaks on the places to fish. You may see more people fishing but you can always find a place to escape. Take a listen to this world record-holding angler, personality, & business person in the fly fishing industry. Bill Bartee, from Charlotte fly shop Jesse Brown’s, interviewed Raz Reid. Reid has been a long-time contributor to the Carolina Outdoors & represents one of the best fly fishing brands, Fishpond, available at Jesse Brown’s  

Segment 3 August 19th, 2023 We love heading into this part of the year that brings us all back together. One of the places that people unite is in local high school football fields. The players have been pumping iron, running drills & working through summer practice. Langston Wertz, Jr. has had an upfront view of Charlotte-area high school athletics for over thirty-years. He is the host of the Talking Preps podcast & journalist for the Charlotte Observer. On this segment of the Carolina Outdoors, Wertz speaks on the health of high school football in this area & what to expect in the upcoming 2023 season. He provides some insight on the preseason players of the year, Jadyn & Jaden, offensive & defensive, respectively. Jadyn Davis, QB of the Providence Day School squad, is one of the top players in the country, & PDS is one of the top teams. Jaden Smith is also an acclaimed player as linebacker for West Charlotte & a lot of excitement is with that team. Wertz breaks down the addition of York & Lancaster County (SC) in the Observer’s coverage & shouts out the Talking Preps team that covers the area each Tuesday. In addition there is now the Top 25 for NC & the Top 25 for SC, as well as the iconic Sweet 16. Where to go watch a game, what players to watch, & the best names for players are all covered during this interview. Langston gives insight on his belief that the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district may be Follow Wertz on Twitter, YouTube, & read his article in The Charlotte Observer. The Carolina Outdoors is powered by the outdoor store in Charlotte, the fly shop in Charlotte, & the Patagonia dealer in Charlotte: Jesse Brown’s Outdoors Bill Bartee’s radio wardrobe is provided by Mountain Khakis available at Jesse Brown’s.

Segment 4, August 19th, 2023 Great conversation with: Langston Wertz, Jr., the host of Talking Preps & senior journalist from The Charlotte Observer. His conversation with Bill Bartee from Charlotte outdoor retailer, Jesse Brown’s, gave us some great insight on the teams, players, & games that are upcoming this high school football season in the Charlotte area. Raz Reid of Reid & Associates represents some of the finest fly fishing brands that are found in the fly shop of Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s, & other fly shops around the country. Brands like Sage, Tibor Reels, Rio Fly Line, & Redington are a few. He lets us know what he’s seeing with the fly fishing business around the southeast in recent months. The Carolina Outdoors is brought to you by WBT Radio & Jesse Brown’s Outdoors. The host, Bill Bartee & producer, TJ Boggs.

Segment 1, August 12th, 2023 Bill Bartee & TJ Boggs bring you the Carolina Outdoors. Powered by local Charlotte outfitter, Jesse Brown’s, this week program covers local & international with Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, NC & Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada.  

Segment 2, August 12th, 2023 The Carolina Outdoors is going international with a call to Ontario. Randy Mitson has enjoyed working, playing & being close to Algonquin Park. This natural lake setting north of Toronto has some of the most fantastic scenery and canoe paddling opportunities. Whether it is a day trip or a multi-day trip. this is one of the best sightseeing places in the world. Mitson provides a peek into this wonderful nature world and offers advice on how we can enjoy it and what we can expect. Bill Bartee from Charlotte’s Patagonia dealer, Jesse Brown’s, leads the discussion. Jesse Brown’s has operated as sponsor of the Carolina Outdoors and has been a local, Charlotte outfitter for travel and outdoor things for the past 53 years.

Segment 3, August 12th, 2023 An area Mooresville farm played a part in the building of Interstate 77. It’s a 5th generation family-owned farm that specializes in fresh fruits & vegetables but also acts as a special event venue, escape for those looking to be outdoors, & has one of the most beautiful swimming quarries in the Carolinas. The answer is Carrigan Farms Owner Doug Carrigan shares his ever-evolving passion of bring the farm to the public & specializing in fun. He speaks on the educational opportunities that occur with school tours & field trips. Here they learn about honey bees, crops, food production, & eating it. Carrigan returned to the farm after graduatiing from NC State in 1975. The Carrigan children & grandchildren are a part of the farm now. Hearing Carrigan describe a wedding beside the quarry with a waterfall on demand will make you ready for a wedding on the property. We hope you enjoy learning about Carrigan’s favorite produce to grow & sell. Host Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown’s Outdoors conducted the interview.