From NC Wildlife Resources Commission … “Click on the fish icon at the bottom and then the link that says DMF Saltwater Fishing Harvest Report. Screen shots below. This link takes you to the DMF page with all the information. We will be able to report on the DMF page on or after December 1st. “
I drilled down and it appears that it will work without a lot of hassle. It will be better when DMF releases the APPS.
Check out reporting requirements on flounder, Red Drum, Striped Bass, Spotted Seatrout (speckled trout), and Weakfish (gray trout). Harvests can be reported through an online webform or soon-to-be-released iPhone app.
More on Reporting … https://www.ncwildlife.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/31/new-mandatory-harvest-reporting-requirements-begin-dec-1
Alan Trojan with 24-3/4″, about 8 lbs, personal best
Bob Badzylo’s friends with Bull Reds
Chuck Fisher with a Bull Red and a Striper
Clint Morschauser with Personal best 26”, 8 lbs.
Mike Shannon “yaking” around in the creeks.
“Bodie’s Breeze,” captained by Steve Bodenheimer, Sgt. at Arms, captures First Place in the Inshore Category and Second Place in the Overall Tournament at the “OIB 59th Invitational” September 12th & 13th. Fish caught in the Categories were flounder and red drum, along with Bonus Fish of silver perch, toad fish, ribbon fish and a large ray.
(Left to right :: Brian Brumbaugh, Steve Bodenheimer & Steve Pendergrass)
The month of August is hot, even in the mountains of western North Carolina. The smallmouth fishing is just as hot on the French Broad, the Toe, and the Catawba rivers, according to Matt Evans of the Catawba Angler in Asheville, NC.
“It’s hot, but so is the fishing for river smallmouth. We chase river smallmouth all summer long,” said Evans.
With summer storms often popping up numerous times a week, the hardest part of river fishing here is finding water that isn’t churned up by rain and runoff.
“The key to having a successful day is finding somewhat clear water,” he said.
Sometimes, Evans said anglers just have to make due with what they have available. And that usually means slowing things down a lot.
“The key to fishing off-colored water is to fish it extremely slow. This will test any angler’s patience, but it’s vital to success,” he said.
It’s never a bad idea to try topwater flies, but anglers should understand it’s hit or miss this time of year.
“The topwater bite for the flyfisherman is excellent on some days, and mediocre on others,” he said.
One thing Evans looks out for is those summer storms, which can lower the air and water temperatures. And that improves the fishing, at least temporarily.
“The best bite will occur when we get a cold front come through, and the water temps get around 75 degrees again. Once this happens, the bite turns on,” he said.
Low water also makes things easier on anglers, at least in terms of locating the smallmouth.
“When the water is lower, it pushes bass into isolated areas looking for higher oxygen content. We will be fishing low water into the fall. And those conditions create some good topwater fishing,” he said.
August might not be Evans’ favorite month for fishing in the mountains, but he said it’s still not a bad way to spend a day outside.
“The best bite of the year is right around the corner. But right now, you can still see some beautiful scenery and do some good fishing in North Carolina’s mountains,” he said.
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@carolinasportsman.com.
Sea Trail Fishing Club 
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