THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE 

5.0
(41 reviews)
 River Highway, Mooresville, NC 28117, United States–

THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE 

Mooresville, NC, United States
–
24 ft
5
5.0
(41 reviews)

WHY THE BEST….
I run only ONE charter per day( unlike many other guides) so this means if fish turn on late and we need to stay i’m in no hurry to get back to pick anothet group.  If your running late i don’t cut off your time because i have to be back to pick another group. I dont “save” a certain spots so my second or third charter of the day can catch fish.  I catch fresh bait EVERY single time before all of my charters. My boat ALWAYS has a top for rain or sun.  And my electronics are high end.  And every trip i hold nothing back because i do ONE TRIP ONLY per day!! So we will go through all the bait and hit every spot i can during our trip.

Water Bugz Fishing Guide Service offers guided fishing trips on Lake Norman year-round with either half or full-day trips. Guide Jeff Tomlin has been fishing Lake Norman for over 40 years. His knowledge of the lake, how the fish behave and his passion to make every trip a great memory for each trip sets him above the rest. 

The 24’ Seaark Procat 240 offers plenty of room for 5 passengers and the fish you're going to catch. The walk-thru windshield provides a comfortable ride as you seek out the fish. The boat is also furnished with a Bimini top as added comfort for the occasional rain or on those hot sunny days.

Water Bugz Guide Service's Seaark is equipped with spinning rod combos, GARMIN 1222 livescope, Hummingbird Helix 12” screen, 24 volt Minn Kota Trolling Motor, and is powered by 4 Stroke 200 HP Suzuki. Fishing trips are family-friendly while providing you with the excitement of catching Hybrid Bass, Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Perch, and Catfish. We use live bait and fish mostly with light tackle spinning rods, providing a lot of fun as you tackle the fish.

Their goal is to supply you with the gear that makes fishing an exciting experience. Jeff will be able to read your ability and make adjustments for any level of ability whether beginner or avid fisherman.

WHY THE BEST….
I run only ONE charter per day( unlike many other guides) so this means if fish turn on late and we need to stay i’m in no hurry to get back to pick anothet group.  If your running late i don’t cut off your time because i have to be back to pick another group. I dont “save” a certain spots so my second or third charter of the day can catch fish.  I catch fresh bait EVERY single time before all of my charters. My boat ALWAYS has a top for rain or sun.  And my electronics are high end.  And every trip i hold nothing back because i do ONE TRIP ONLY per day!! So we will go through all the bait and hit every spot i can during our trip.

Water Bugz Fishing Guide Service offers guided fishing trips on Lake Norman year-round with either half or full-day trips. Guide Jeff Tomlin has been fishing Lake Norman for over 40 years. His knowledge of the lake, how the fish behave and his passion to make every trip a great memory for each trip sets him above the rest. 

The 24’ Seaark Procat 240 offers plenty of room for 5 passengers and the fish you're going to catch. The walk-thru windshield provides a comfortable ride as you seek out the fish. The boat is also furnished with a Bimini top as added comfort for the occasional rain or on those hot sunny days.

Water Bugz Guide Service's Seaark is equipped with spinning rod combos, GARMIN 1222 livescope, Hummingbird Helix 12” screen, 24 volt Minn Kota Trolling Motor, and is powered by 4 Stroke 200 HP Suzuki. Fishing trips are family-friendly while providing you with the excitement of catching Hybrid Bass, Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Perch, and Catfish. We use live bait and fish mostly with light tackle spinning rods, providing a lot of fun as you tackle the fish.

Their goal is to supply you with the gear that makes fishing an exciting experience. Jeff will be able to read your ability and make adjustments for any level of ability whether beginner or avid fisherman.

Jeff Tomlin
Captain
Jeff Tomlin
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Bass (Striped)
Bass (Largemouth)
Crappie
Catfish
+3
US $425
Entire boat: 2 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
41 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (93)

What anglers say

98%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

Reviews (41)

  • Stephen Sorrow
    Stephen Sorrow
    us
    California, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Memories with Paw Paw

    Half Day Trip (AM) on August 14, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 children

    We booked a trip with Captain Jeff earlier today to make memories with my wife, our two little girls, and my dad and we couldn’t have had a better time. We caught a lot of perch, catfish, hybrids, and a black bass and everyone caught their share. I would love to take another trip sometime with my family. Jeff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and hardworking and made sure we were well supported and had a good time. We made some great memories as well as a new friend. Thank you Captain Jeff!

  • Edward Maher
    Edward Maher
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    37 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 25, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child
  • Isaiah Boone
    Isaiah Boone
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    10/10 experience

    Half Day Trip (AM) on October 9, 2025 • 2 adults

    we caught alot of fish.. hybrids,catfish, perch! definitely would book again

  • Kacey Grebe
    Kacey Grebe
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    EPIC EXCURSION

    Half Day Trip (AM) on October 21, 2024 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Jeff was incredible, he was friendly, kind, patient with my 8 year old son who had lots of questions, got out on the lake at 4 AM to ensure we had the perfect live bait for a successful day and man was it worth it! We caught every species under the water! We had 5/6 rods in at a time and the fishing was fantastic. We will absolutely be going out with Capt Jeff again, I cannot recommend him enough! A core memory day for my son and I for sure, my son left saying “wow best day ever!”

  • Andrew Miller
    Andrew Miller
    us
    Maryland, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    One of the best charters we’ve ever taken

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 23, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    This was seriously one of the top charters our family has taken. Captain Jeff put us on the fish and we caught a ton of spotted bass and catfish. We also highly recommend this charter for families with kids that love to fish - Jeff was great with our almost 12 year old who is fishing obsessed.

  • William Sapienza
    William Sapienza
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    An amazing morning with Water Bugs Fishing

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 29, 2024 • 2 adults

    We thoroughly enjoyed our trip this morning with Captain Jeff Tomlin on board Water Bugz Fishing on Lake Norman NC. We caught many fish ranging from Perch to Spotted Bass to Hybrid Stripped Bass. Most importantly, Captain Jeff provided us with an education on fishing techniques as well of some topography of Lake Norman. The use of his technology was spot on. Water Bugz Fishing is highly recommended by all three of us who fished today.

  • Brian Toye
    Brian Toye
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Water Bugz was and amazing experience!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 27, 2024 • 3 adults • 2 children

    Captain Jeff is an amazing guide and really knows how to find them! I have two young boys and needless to say they are hooked! We caught over 30 fish and some really good ones, all different species but some of the biggest hybrids I have seen on LKN! I know we will be fishing with Captain Jeff again real soon! Strongly recommend if you are looking for a great fishing experience on Lake Norman! Thanks for everything Captain Jeff!

  • Antonio Mungo
    Antonio Mungo
    us
    Charlotte, NC, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 7, 2025 • 2 adults

    Had an amazing time Captain Jeff knew what to do knew where the fish was was awesome I highly recommend anyone that wants to fish that loves fish to call Captain Jeff awesome time thank you so much Jeff sincerely Antonio

  • Catherine Emery
    Catherine Emery
    us
    Ohio, US
    •
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic Experience

    Half Day Trip (AM) on July 8, 2023 • 2 adults

    My husband and I had never fished Lake Norman so decided to book with a random charter. We found Jeff from Water Bugz, the price was right and he and his staff were very attentive with conversation prior to our arrival to insure we had everything in order. Jeff was FANTASTIC! He knows this lake and it’s “secrets”. We caught more fish than anticipated and he was very interactive and knowledgeable not only with the fish but with the coaching the Lake Normal beginners.

  • Doug Holbrook
    Doug Holbrook
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2023
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day With Captain Jeff

    Half Day Trip (AM) on June 4, 2023 • 2 adults

    I am 100% recommending Captain Jeff! He is a great guide and a pretty awesome guy all around! We started at 6:00 AM and had enough keepers to fill our cooler by 7:00 AM!!! We lost count of how many Spotted Bass we caught and we threw back more Hybrids than we kept! We also caught a few Perch and Catfish! Jeff definitely knows all of the honey holes! He is very knowledgeable about the fish and Lake Norman!

Rating

5.0
41 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (93)

What anglers say

98%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (41)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 41 reviews
Jeff Jameson
Jeff Jameson
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
•
Member since 2022
•
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Day on the Water with Water Bugz!
Half Day Trip (AM) on June 11, 2026 • 2 adults

Our trip with Water Bugz was hands-down the best fishing experience we’ve ever had. Captain Jeff's boat is fantastic, and his unmatched knowledge of the lake put us right on the prime spots immediately. Using live bait, the action was so fast and furious that we completely lost count of the catch! We hauled in an incredible variety, including quality Largemouth Bass, giant Blue Catfish, hard-fighting Channel Catfish, and Hybrids. To top it all off, Captain Jeff has a great personality and is incredibly easy to talk to, making the whole day seamless and fun. A truly amazing experience from start to finish—I can't recommend them enough!

Reported catch:
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Hybrid Striped Bass
Spotted Bass
Jeff Tomlin
Response from Captain

cant wait to get that group back

Stephen Sorrow
Stephen Sorrow
us
California, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Memories with Paw Paw
Half Day Trip (AM) on August 14, 2026 • 3 adults • 2 children

We booked a trip with Captain Jeff earlier today to make memories with my wife, our two little girls, and my dad and we couldn’t have had a better time. We caught a lot of perch, catfish, hybrids, and a black bass and everyone caught their share. I would love to take another trip sometime with my family. Jeff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and hardworking and made sure we were well supported and had a good time. We made some great memories as well as a new friend. Thank you Captain Jeff!

Reported catch:
Catfish
Hybrid Striped Bass
White Perch
Spotted Bass
Jeff Tomlin
Response from Captain

absolutely loved this family. parents teaching and grandad loving every minute. wishing them a great vacation and i am so glad i got em in my boat. im blessed beyond belief

Jerry Sulentic
Jerry Sulentic
Repeat angler
us
Illinois, US
•
Member since 2020
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Fishing with Jeff Tomlin
Half Day Trip (AM) on April 1, 2026 • 2 adults

He was a great guy and gives great information. He put us on fish like it was one after the other as well as recommended places to visit and to eat. Funny guy too makes conversation and tells good stories . All in all go fishing with Jeff

Edward Maher
Edward Maher
Repeat angler
us
Maryland, US
•
Member since 2025
•
37 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Trip
Half Day Trip (AM) on July 25, 2026 • 1 adult • 1 child

Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Hybrid Striped Bass
+2
Jeff Tomlin
Response from Captain

rain did not deter these two from a great day. so happy they decided to go. great memory

Charles Goforth
Charles Goforth
us
North Carolina, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
May fishing trip
Half Day Trip (AM) on May 20, 2026 • 4 adults

FAQs about THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE

THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE offers the following trip to customers:
  • US $425 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
When you book a trip with THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS Hummingbird GPS
  • Fishfinder Hummingbird Helix 12' screen
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
Trips booked with THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
Top targeted fish species with THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE include:
  • Bass (Largemouth)
  • Bass (Spotted)
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Hybrid Striped Bass
  • Perch (White)

Your captain

Jeff Tomlin
Jeff Tomlin

Mooresville, North Carolina, United States

6 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
41 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since July 2022

Capt. Jeff Tomlin has been fishing Lake Norman for over 40 years and has such a passion for angling that it's even pushed him to innovate. His planer boards help give all anglers the chance to widen their reach and attract more fish. Initially made for Striper fishing in the reservoir, they're now used even in saltwater. Capt. Jeff is very proud of this and hopes to show you how they work.

Jeff Tomlin
Jeff Tomlin
Fully verified
6
reports
41
reviews
2022
member since
~1h
response
Capt. Jeff Tomlin has been fishing Lake Norman for over 40 years and has such a passion for angling that it's even pushed him to innovate. His planer boards help give all anglers the chance to widen their reach and attract more fish. Initially made for Striper fishing in the reservoir, they're now used even in saltwater. Capt. Jeff is very proud of this and hopes to show you how they work.

The fish you can target

Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Spotted Bass
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Catfish
Catfish
Crappie
Crappie
Hybrid Striped Bass
Hybrid Striped Bass
White Perch
White Perch
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Spotted Bass
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Catfish
Catfish
Crappie
Crappie

Real catches by this captain

  • Great Memories with Paw Paw
    Stephen S.
    Stephen S.
  • Great Trip
    Edward M.
    Edward M.
  • 10/10 experience
    Isaiah B.
    Isaiah B.
  • One of the best charters we’ve ever taken
    Andrew M.
    Andrew M.
  • Fishing
    Antonio M.
    Antonio M.
  • Good guide = Great day
    William J.
    William J.
  • April fishing trip
    Belinda K.
    Belinda K.
  • EPIC EXCURSION
    Kacey G.
    Kacey G.
  • Water Bugz was and amazing experience!
    Brian T.
    Brian T.
  • An amazing morning with Water Bugs Fishing
    William S.
    William S.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2018
Boat manufacturer
SeaArk Procat 240
Boat type
Aluminum fishing
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
37 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Hummingbird GPS
Fishfinder
Hummingbird Helix 12' screen
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Checks

What’s biting in Mooresville right now

Bass (Largemouth)Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Spotted)Bass (Spotted)
Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
CatfishCatfish
CrappieCrappie
Hybrid Striped BassHybrid Striped Bass
Perch (White)Perch (White)

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THE BEST! WATERBUGZ GUIDE SERVICE
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5.0
(41)
24 ft
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+5
4 hour trip • 5 persons
US $425