NC Marine Fisheries ask public to report cold stunned trout

Speckled trout are vulnerable to cold weather

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries wants to remind the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.

During the winter, spotted seatrout move to relatively shallow creeks and rivers, where they can be vulnerable to cold stun events. Cold stun events have the potential to occur when there is a sudden drop in temperature or during prolonged periods of cold weather, making fish so sluggish they can be harvested by hand. Many fish that are stunned die from the cold or fall prey to birds and other predators. Studies suggest that cold stun events can have a significant negative impact on spotted seatrout populations.

No significant cold stun events have been confirmed so far this season, but current weather conditions are suitable for a cold stun event to occur in coastal rivers and creeks.

Spotted seatrout cold stun events can be reported at any time to the N.C. Marine Patrol at 252-515-5507 or during regular business hours to the Division of Marine Fisheries spotted seatrout biologist Lucas Pensinger at 252-515-5638 or Lucas.Pensinger@deq.nc.gov. When reporting a spotted seatrout cold stun event, please provide the specific location, date, and time the cold stun was observed, along with your contact information.

The N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan specifies that if a significant cold stun event occurs, the Division of Marine Fisheries will close all spotted seatrout harvest in the affected areas until June. A significant cold stun event is determined by 1) assessing the size and scope of the cold stun, and 2) evaluating water temperatures to determine if triggers of 5 C (41 F) for eight consecutive days or 3 C (37.4 F) during a 24-hour period are met. Data loggers are deployed statewide to continuously measure water temperatures in coastal rivers and creeks that are prone to cold stuns.

The intent of a harvest closure is to allow surviving fish a chance to spawn before harvest re-opens. Peak spotted seatrout spawning occurs from May to June.

https://www.carolinasportsman.com/fishing/inshore-fishing/speckled-trout/nc-marine-fisheries-ask-public-to-report-cold-stunned-trout/?utm_source=Carolina+Sportsman&utm_campaign=67e3e4b098-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c41990a090-67e3e4b098-290292534

New NC Rules for Speckled Trout

Information on Spotted Seatrout FMP Amendment 1

Draft Spotted Seatrout FMP Amendment 1


A review of the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan is underway. Results of the 2022 benchmark stock assessment indicate the stock is not overfished but is experiencing overfishing. At their November 2024 business meeting, the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission vote to select their preferred management options for the commercial and recreational Spotted Seatrout fisheries.


Division management recommendation for both sectors:
• Statewide harvest closure Jan. through Feb.


Division management recommendation for recreational fishery:
• 14”–20” slot limit with allowance for one fish >26”
• 3 fish bag limit


Division management recommendation for commercial fishery:
• 11:59 p.m. Friday to 12:01 a.m. Tuesday closure from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31
• No changes to Bogue Banks stop net quota, but formalize management in Amendment 1


Division supplemental and cold stun management recommendations:
• Eliminate spotted seatrout captain/crew limit on for-hire trips
• Extend harvest closure following a severe cold stun through Jun. 30
For questions, contact Lucas Pensinger, Lucas.Pensinger@deq.nc.gov or Melinda Lambert, Melinda.Lambert@deq.nc.gov.

Winter Fishing Tactics

Hey Anglers, Don’t give up fishing in the winter. There are still plenty of fish out there. You just have to know where they hang out – especially on those sunny days. Here’s a winter fishing tip from Salt Strong.

Mike

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Captain Chris Bowden

Last night’s Guest Speaker at the STFC was Captain Chris Bowden of Coastal Marsh Charters. He talked about his strategies for fishing for Speckled Trout, Redfish and Flounder waters around our area from the Shallotte River to Cherry Grove. Coastal Marsh Charters offers a range of inshore, nearshore, and offshore opportunities ranging from three to six-hour fishing trips to family-friendly charters and sunset cruises. Chris fielded a range of questions and signed into our Face Book page.
Check out Captain Bowden’s tips on ‘Winter Fishing Strategies”


https://coastalmarshcharters.com/2024/10/16/winter-fishing-strategies/