Hogfish are strange-looking members of the wrasse family. Their first three dorsal spines are long and trailing, extending several inches off their dorsal fin. This species is more laterally compressed, or flattened from side to side, and more oval-shaped when compared to other marine fish in the wrasse family. They have cool, red irises in [...] Fishing |  Full Article

by Robert Michelson The state Division of Marine Fisheries earlier this spring imposed new recreational bag limits and commercial season closures to protect stocks of spot and Atlantic croaker. As previously reported, effective April 15, the recreational bag limit for spot and Atlantic croaker is 50 fish per person, per day, per species, and applies to all [...] Fishing |  Full Article

By Coastal Carolina Fisherman Every creature in the estuarine, nearshore, and bluewater environments plays an important role in the health and sustainability of our offshore fishery food web. Every creature from the lowly phytoplankton, to zooplankton to the pelagic giants at the top of the food chain absolutely depend on a bait sequence to survive. [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting public comment on proposed management changes to further reduce bycatch of non-target species and minimize ecosystem impacts. Draft Amendment 2 to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan contains a suite of management options that range broadly from status quo to a complete closure of all inside waters, including [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking input from the public on a draft spending plan for $4.5 million in federal fisheries relief that Congress approved in the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CARES Act II). The spending plan must be approved by NOAA Fisheries for the state to receive the funding. The draft spending [...] Fishing |  Full Article

New research shows that wild harvests have declined and cultivated oysters now represent over half of the total economic impact of shellfish in the state. The shellfish industry provides more than $27 million in economic impact and 532 jobs in North Carolina. Until 2016, the state shellfish industry’s economic impact primarily came from the harvest [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission voted on Thursday to take Draft Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Amendment 2 out for public comment and advisory committee review. The draft amendment focuses on reducing bycatch of non-target species and minimizing habitat impacts. It includes a suite of options ranging broadly from status quo to a complete closure of all inside [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The 27th annual Hatteras Village Offshore Open wrapped up on Saturday, May 15, and Top Dog came out on top as the overall winner with five released blue marlins and a $17.127.50 payout. The Hatteras Village Offshore Open has a multiple-day fishing format and offers seven different levels in which anglers can earn cash prizes. [...] Fishing |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program, in partnership with the Oregon Inlet Artificial Reef Committee, sank a 108-foot tugboat Friday off Oregon Inlet. The Valley Forge joins two other tugboats, the America, and the American at AR-165. The site, which is located about 7 miles southeast of Oregon Inlet, also contains approximately [...] Fishing |  Full Article