The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program sank a 55-foot trawler at AR-305, off Cape Lookout, last week. The FV Alexandria Dawn, was constructed in 1984, but has been out of use for around a decade. Before sinking, the vessel was cleaned extensively in accordance with EPA requirements. Purchase [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission this week chose preferred management measures for the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1 that merged recommendations from its advisory committees, as well as public comment, with proposals from the Division of Marine Fisheries. Most notably, the Commission’s preferred management options do not include a proposed seasonal closure. [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The North Carolina Coastal Federation is set to begin its 11th year of the Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project in January 2025. But before the effort can get underway, the Federation needs the help of commercial watermen and women along the northern and central coast to sign up to help us find and collect lost [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The Cape Hatteras Anglers Club 66th Annual Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament was held on November 6-8, 2024. 120 teams participated in this year’s tournament and caught a total of 813 fish. This tournament is the largest of its kind in the world. Each year, 120 teams (720 fishermen and women) are invited to participate. Including [...] Fishing |  Full Article

At its May business meeting, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission voted to approve new, more restrictive management rules for the striped mullet fishery. Six months later, bait and tackle shops are feeling the effects of the day-of-the-week commercial closures on their businesses. With Hatteras Island’s fall fishing season in full swing, mullet is harder [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® (OBAR) hosted its 27th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament in Nags Head in October. The event is part of OBAR’s “Surf, Turf, and Roll” initiative, a series of three fundraising events, including a Surf Fishing, Golf, and Bowling tournament, which invites the community to donate and support OBAR’s charitable funds. [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Program is soliciting public input and project advisers for the next five years of ocean reef enhancements. The Artificial Reef Program plans to complete one project per year, for a total of five projects, one in each coastal region (see map): Outer [...] Fishing |  Full Article

National database aims to pinpoint locations of ADVs, track removal, provide clearer picture of the national problem In an effort to clean up the nation’s coasts and Great Lakes and rid our shores of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs), the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is creating a new national ADV [...] Fishing |  Full Article

By Mike Regan, NCBBA Red Drum Tournament Chairman Just after another King Tide event, the 2024 Red Drum Tournament brought 551 anglers and their families to the beaches of Hatteras Island. The event is growing each year as word gets out, with anglers hailing from 23 states and three countries ranging in age from six [...] Fishing |  Full Article