About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Todd Zielinski

Todd Zielinski

Independent Guide
Talkative
Instructional
Laid-back
Expert Oriented
Comfortable
Quality
I grew up fishing the Great Lakes and the Niagara River. I have been fishing Lake Norman since about 2007. I started out predominately fishing for Bass. Back in 2013 the state wildlife started stocking Hybrid Striped Bass after the regular Striped Bass started to die off. A few years they started to grow and do well with a decent stocking program and new regulations. Pound for pound the best fighting fish on the lake. I started to fish for them about 2017-2018 and went out various guides to learn how to fish for them. A few years later I started my own Part time guide service.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Todd Zielinski

Todd Zielinski

Independent Guide
I grew up fishing the Great Lakes and the Niagara River. I have been fishing Lake Norman since about 2007. I started out predominately fishing for Bass. Back in 2013 the state wildlife started stocking Hybrid Striped Bass after the regular Striped Bass started to die off. A few years they started to grow and do well with a decent stocking program and new regulations. Pound for pound the best fighting fish on the lake. I started to fish for them about 2017-2018 and went out various guides to learn how to fish for them. A few years later I started my own Part time guide service.

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
30 lbs catfish
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
scallops or shrimp
What’s your favorite band?
Goo Goo Dolls
What’s your favorite movie?
Goodfellas

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
30 lbs catfish
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
scallops or shrimp
What’s your favorite band?
Goo Goo Dolls
What’s your favorite movie?
Goodfellas
What’s your favorite sports team?
Buffalo Bills
What’s your drink of choice?
water
What was your last halloween costume?
NA
What do you want for Christmas this year?
NA
How did you get started guiding?
getting closer to retirement and looking for something to keep me busy and work for myself
What makes you different from other guides?
Its not about the money. It is about how keep them entertained and teaching moments, also make it a good experience and have good conversations.

Tight Lines And Big Smiles

NEW 1 - 4 People 4 Hours From $287
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
Tight Lines and Big Smiles

About Your Trip

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

We can pick you up from most locations within reason. We mainly fish mid lake and up and typically don't fish the south end of Lake Norman. A typical trip for a half of day is 4-5hrs. The lake is big and the fish chase bait, so sometimes we have to move to different locations till we get them dialed in. Certain seasons different techniques work better than others. We can do everything from trolling,...

About Your Trip

We can pick you up from most locations within reason. We mainly fish mid lake and up and typically don't fish the south end of Lake Norman. A typical trip for a half of day is 4-5hrs. The lake is big and the fish chase bait, so sometimes we have to move to different locations till we get them dialed in.
Certain seasons different techniques work better than others. We can do everything from trolling,
jigging or live baiting. Casting can be done for more experienced fisherman and smaller groups. Main targeted fish are Hybrid striped Bass, spotted Bass and crappie. Other fish caught are perch and catfish.
I usually have at least water aboard incase you forget yours and make sure you bring sunscreen especially in the summer months. Female parties there is not a bathroom. There are usually facilities at the launches near by or a few restaurants on the north end.
Feel free to bring your own snacks or lunch or breakfast. Absolutely no alcohol. No bananas or drinks that stain and glass bottles.
what makes us different you can take some of what we do to customize your fishing in the area that you fish and live. Some techniques will work and its trial and error for others. We are open to suggestions and there is no one certain way we have to fish.

Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for an additional fee.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an easy level of physical activity.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Carolina skiff
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Carolina skiff
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No
Additional Amenities
casting deck, rod holders, downriggers certain times of year, bait tank

Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on the current month (March).
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Crappie
  • Hybrid Striped Bass
  • Perch
  • Spotted Bass
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Trolling

Type of Fishing

Lake

Need a Place to Stay?

Seven One Six Fishing Photo Gallery

Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 13th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Tight Lines and Big Smiles
March 14th, 2025
Mooresville, North Carolina
Book Now