The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet in-person Nov. 17-19 at the Islander Hotel & Resort, 102 Islander Dr, Emerald Isle. The commission office will also livestream the meeting online. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17; at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18; and at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a workshop by webinar Nov. 8-10 with scientists to review the draft assessment of the North Carolina striped mullet stock. Discussions are scheduled for 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10. The public may [...] Fishing |  Full Article

By Al Adam, Vice President of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association The 12th annual North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) Red Drum Tournament was held on the beaches of Hatteras Island from Ramps 23 to 38 on Wednesday, October 20, through Saturday, October 23. A record 369 anglers enjoyed excellent weather but challenging fishing [...] Fishing |  Full Article

With a reputation for a spirited fight at the hook-end of a rod and reel and tasty, sweet, white meat, sheepshead are a choice catch for recreational anglers fishing North Carolina’s coastal waters. These days, as recreational saltwater fishing regulations have been tightened on some species, particularly flounder, the elusive, not-easy-to-hook sheepshead, with its ever-bizarre, [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The National Marine Fisheries Service has closed the entire Atlantic mackerel fishery in federal waters through the end of the year. The service, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and informally known as NOAA Fisheries, has prohibited vessels from fishing for or landing more than 5,000 pounds of Atlantic mackerel per trip in [...] Fishing |  Full Article

(Hook, Line & Science, courtesy of Scott Baker and Sara Mirabilio, North Carolina Sea Grant.) A new study reveals that certain types of oyster farming support comparable or greater rates of predatory feeding than natural oyster reefs. Cooler weather brings the wild harvest of oysters — and an appetite for oyster roasts and stew. Beginning [...] Fishing |  Full Article

Interested in federal fisheries management and want to become more involved? Apply now for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels or to serve as a fishing representative on the System Management Plan (SMP) Workgroup. The SMP Workgroup addresses the needs of managed areas in federal waters in the South Atlantic. [...] Fishing |  Full Article

They swell up, they blow up, they puff up. Their unusual defense against predators makes this blowfish a hoot. Northern puffers are found on the Atlantic coast of North America from Newfoundland to Flagler County, Florida, over sand bottom near or in and around seagrass in waters ranging from 3 to more than 600 feet [...] Fishing |  Full Article

Nothing says fall on the coast of North Carolina like the beginning of oyster season, when people pull out the fire grates and steamer pots and get ready to slurp down a salty treat. But those pearls of delight need to be properly stored and chilled to ensure a healthy eating experience. The N.C. Division [...] Fishing |  Full Article