A slot limit for recreationally-caught striped bass will go into effect Jan. 1 in North Carolina ocean waters. Fishermen will be allowed to possess one striped bass per person per day that is at least 28 inches and less than 35 inches total length (fishermen may not keep a 35-inch fish). For the specific regulation, see Proclamation FF-54-2019. [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The number of bluefish recreational anglers can keep per day along the entire Atlantic coast will be significantly cut in 2020 after projections that total catches will exceed an annual harvest limit set by regulators. Last week, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council recommended and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved a three-bluefish daily limit [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) collected public comments and feedback at a heated scoping meeting in Manteo on Tuesday night as part of their long-term process to create management strategies for the upcoming Amendment 3 to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan. On August 23, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) voted [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public scoping period Jan. 7-21, 2020 to solicit public comments on potential management strategies for an upcoming amendment to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan. Management strategies to further reduce bycatch of non-target species in the shrimp trawl fishery and potential changes to existing shrimp management strategies [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The Coast Guard is seeking input from commercial and recreational mariners for an assessment of navigation requirements in the vicinity of Shackleford Banks and Harker’s Island, North Carolina. This Coast Guard Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) study focuses on multiple waterways in the area between Beaufort Inlet and Core Sound, depicted on NOAA Chart 11545 [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking input from the public on potential management strategies for an upcoming amendment to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan. Fishermen and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide input by either attending one of three scoping meetings or providing written comments. The Wilmington meeting has been scheduled since the [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold five public meetings in early December to receive suggestions and comments on cultch planting. Cultch planting involves strategically placing shells and rock to enhance shellfish habitat in potentially productive shellfish areas. Oysters, clams and other aquatic life are attracted to the cultch and begin to immediately colonize [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is moving forward with management measures for the blue crab fishery designed to end overfishing and achieve sustainable harvest. The commission last week selected management measures for the draft Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan Amendment 3. The draft amendment will now be sent for departmental review. Selected management measures would: [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The Cape Hatteras Anglers Club’s Annual Invitational Fishing Tournament wrapped up its 62nd year on November 8, and this year’s First Place winner was Outer Banks Sportfishers with 74 fish totaling 175 points. The tournament is one of the largest surf fishing tournaments in the world, with approximately 720 fishermen competing for team and individual [...] Fishing |  Full Article