Rock On Charters is the product of a life spent in the outdoors, from striper fishing at Smith Mountain Lake to trophy Musky fishing on Virginia’s Blue Ribbon River systems. Rock On is the local connection to everything Southwest Virginia has to offer.
Founded by longtime friends and avid outdoorsmen Captain Josh Laferty and Captain Ken Trail, “Rock On” set sail on a path to set the standard for quality in the guide business. They have a core belief that the experience should eclipse the fishing, good or bad. They have assembled the finest guides in or region to treat their clients to fun, safe, informative trips on Virginia’s waterways.
Regardless of experience level, all of their customers can leave having learned about the particular fishery and best methods of ensuring success, with more combined experience than any other guide service, and more USCG licensed captains on staff.
“The great thing about striper fishing on Smith Mountain Lake is that you don’t have to be an expert angler!” says Captain Josh. “Unlike some fishing trips where experience is crucial, with “Team Rock On” you can just show up and enjoy the day. This style of fishing is very friendly to novice anglers as well as children. Just hold and smile, as you’re in for a ride!”
Rock On Charters has been involved in numerous articles and publications offering their insight to authors and readers alike on matters of fishing and big game hunting. “Team Rock On” has also been featured and are currently filming for several outdoor TV shows such as “Musky Hunter TV,” the industry authority on musky fishing in the US.
With two USCG licensed captains on Smith Mountain Lake year-round, they have 75 combined years of fishing knowledge. Captains Laferty and Trail are natives of Franklin County, as well as own property at SML; they have been chasing stripers (striped bass) for most of their lives.
Captain Josh comes from a long tradition of striper fishing at SML, Leesville Lake, and the Staunton River; these years of experience have honed the skills required to catch these brutes. Captain Currie has been at SML since the early 1970s and is also experienced with both offshore fishing and diving. Retired from the fire service, Captain Currie spends his days on the water in search of the perfect day of striper fishing.
Rock On Charters offers year-round guided adventures for striped bass on SML; musky, wallage, and small mouth bass on the New River; musky and small mouth bass on the James River; and fly fishing for wild trout in the high country of North Carolina.
“There are many factors that are at play on any given day, the big three being the weather, moon phase, and barometric pressure,” says Captain Josh. “But expect to be picked up early and fish hard with the finest tackle available and the hardest working captains in the fleet! We give 100% every trip, every time.”
For more information, be sure to check out the Rock On Charters website and get out there on the water to learn more about the great fishing in our area!
