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/

Y’all Ain’t From Around Here !

November 12, 2024

Our two bald biologists are joined by Assistant Fish Chief Rachael Hoch to discuss both the harmful effects and the fishing opportunities presented by aquatic nuisance species. Learn how these aquatic nuisance species threaten our native aquatic life and why it’s crucial to educate one another about not introducing animals into environments where they don’t belong. And remember—doing so could land you in a ‘blue light special.’

https://blubrry.com/ncwrc_better_fishing/137183045/you-aint-from-around-here/?sbe=1