North Carolina Marine Fisheries Regulations Threaten Financial Liveliehood of N. C. and S. C. Charter Captains and Fishing Guides.

For Immediate Release

April 6, 2025

Contact Laurie Thomas Vass

ltvtoo@gmail.om

Sunset Beach, N. C.

Two charter fishing captains, one from Shallotte, North Carolina, and one from Little River,      S. C., expressed their disgust with the over-regulation of recreational fishing in North Carolina.

“The over-regulation of fishing in North Carolina is damaging our fishing populations in South Carolina,” said Scotty Lambert, a charter captain and owner of Little River Fishing Fleet.

Scotty Lambert, Little River Fishing Fleet.

 “Anglers from all over North Carolina are overcrowding us in South Carolina because they are prohibited from catching trout, flounder, and have restrictive daily limits of 3 fish per day, on Blue Fish, in North Carolina” he added.

Josh Reynolds, of Maverick Charters, in Shallotte, N. C., said he doubts the accuracy and legitimacy of the North Carolina data used to prohibit fishing in North Carolina.

Captain Josh Reynolds, Maverick Charters

“I fish just about 365 days a year,” he said. “I see an abundance of sea trout, flounder and Blue Fish every day. The over-regulation is killing me financially,” he added.

“I have had to target Sheepshead in order to stay alive financially, and the over-regulation in the other species is causing a decline of the Sheepshead population because that is the only fish anglers can keep,” he added.

Both charter captains were exhibiting their businesses at Daves Outpost, in Sunset Beach, N. C. , in the fifth annual South Brunswick celebration of recreational fishing.”

Greg Bloom and Fletcher Frink, the executives of Daves Outpost, expressed their concern about the negative economic effects the over-regulation of fishing in North Carolina is having on the charter fishing business.

Left to Right, Greg Bloom Fletcher Frink

“We hold our event to promote the local recreational fishing industry in Southern Brunswick County,” said Frink. “We are trying to do whatever we can to help the charter captains survive, by hosting this event,” he added.

Over 50 small businesses exhibited at the event, held on April 6, 2025. One of the small businesses at the event was Griffin Canady, the owner of Watermans Choice, an oyster farming operation, located AT Topsail Beach, N. C.

Griffin and Margo Canady, Watermans Choice Oyster Farm.

“I worked for 6 years with state environmental agencies before I started my oyster farm,” Canady said. “I know first hand the beneficial effects our oyster farm has on the local marine environment, and can see the habitat improving to vibrant areas from the dead zones before we started farming area,” he said.

The event drew about 1000 visitors.

“I love North Carolina, and love the people who fish with me,” said Reynolds. “I cannot understand why the State Government is intent on harming my business with over-regulation” he added.

About Little River Fishing Fleet. We have 4 boats and full crews to do both inshore and offshore fishing. We accommodate whatever type of fishing our anglers desire. https://cptscottysfishingcharters.com

About Maverick Charters. We fish intercoastal creeks and target trophy Sheepshead. 910 477 3222.

About Daves Outpost. We are a full service one-stop shop for all your fishing needs. We have our own shrimp boat and feature live shrimp and minnows on a daily basis.

https://davesoutpost.com/store-info. 910 579 2016.

Southern Brunswick celebrates charter captains and fishing guides

“Our intent in sponsoring this event is to promote all of the businesses in Southern Brunswick who share our passion for fishing,” said Greg Bloom.” He also noted that this is the fifth annual celebration that Daves has sponsored.

Southern Brunswick Celebration of Charter Captains and Fishing Guides, April 6, 2025 at Daves Outpost

Laurie Thomas Vass

March 24, 2025

Citing their interest in promoting the Southern Brunswick sports fishing business community, Greg Bloom and Fletcher Frink, the executives of Daves Outpost, in Sunset Beach, N. C. are sponsoring a charter captains and fishing guide “Meet’n Greet” celebration on April 6, 2025.

The celebration will feature displays and exhibits from over 20 fishing professionals, who will exhibit in the parking lot of Daves Outpost store, located at the boat launch at the Sunset Beach Bridge.

In addition to boat captains and guides, the event will feature food trucks, including Blondie’s Donuts and Daisy’s Dogs.

“Our intent in sponsoring this event is to promote all of the businesses in Southern Brunswick who share our passion for fishing,” said Greg Bloom.”

Bloom noted that this is the fifth annual celebration that Daves has sponsored.

Among the many exhibitors will be Griffin Canady, an oyster farmer from Sunset Beach, who farms oysters in Topsail Beach for distribution along the North Carolina coast.

Bloom commented that Canady’s oysters are prime and delicious.

The sports fishing celebration is being promoted by the Sea Trail Fishing Club, located at Sunset Beach, N. C.

“Our club is interested in strengthening the economic relationships among the business community that contribute to the sports fishing industry,” explained Laurie Thoma Vass, the club’s Director of Public Relations, and a former economic development advisor for the State of North Carolina.

“To the extent that we can keep more recreational fishing dollars circulating in our local economy, every citizen will benefit,” she added.

There is no admission charge to attend the event, which will run from 9 am to 5 pm.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for one-on-one questioning of captains and guides,” said Coach John Floyd, a seasoned flounder fisherman, who offers free fishing advice at Daves.

“All of the captains and guides will be ready to sign up fishermen for the upcoming season,” Floyd added.

About Daves Outpost: A comprehensive one-stop shop for all your fishing and boating needs.  We have everything you need to get on the water, whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking to get started. We have our own shrimp boat and offer live shrimp and minnows.  https://davesoutpost.com/store-info. 910 579 2016.

About the Sea Trail Fishing Club: Our club is dedicated to helping people learn how to catch fish, and promoting a sense of community for all anglers. We meet every month at the Pink Palace, located in the Sea Trail Development in Sunset Beach N. C. Membership is $20 per year. Membership applications and upcoming club events are at our website. https://seatrailfishing.com/


 

Fish Screamer Charter

Dear Club members and guests, 

This will be our fourth season on the Fish Screamer 3, operated by Captain Danny, a third-generation captain. Each trip has been a success, with a variety of fish caught in good quantities. The level of service we receive is outstanding, and the bait (which is provided at no extra charge) is always fresh and firm.

We will be doing 12-hour offshore bottom fishing trips. I have reduced the number of trips this spring because I will be traveling more. The scheduled dates are as follows:

– Friday, June 13th

– Friday, July 11th

– Saturday, August 16th

– Saturday, September 13th

The boat will leave at 6:00 AM and return at 6-7 PM from 4458 Water Front Avenue, Little River, SC (behind Crab Catchers Restaurant on the water). The boat comfortably accommodates up to ten passengers, ensuring plenty of space for everyone. It is spacious and handles the seas very well.

Please arrive 20 minutes early so we can leave at 6:00 AM sharp. We will be going out about 45-60 miles and bottom fishing at depths usually greater than 100 feet. The cost is $225 per person, plus a tip for the mate (which includes fresh, quality bait and a very high level of service).

If you’re interested, please contact Andrew David at 410-404-0972 or  andrewid83@gmail.com. To hold your spot, please send a check to: 

Andrew David, 706 Royal Fern Ct,  Calabash, NC 28467

OFFSHORE FISHING OPPORTUNITY

Hey Sea Trail Fishing Club Members!
Want To Go Offshore Fishing on the Cyclone?

DATE: May 10, 2025
TARGETS: Black Sea Bass, Grunts, Porgies, and Potentially Trolling For Mahi and Kings! And Grouper season will be open!


This trip is only open to Sea Trail Fishing Club Members! Each Member can sign up one guest. This will be approximately a 6-hour trip about 10 miles offshore.

COST: $70 per member; $80 per guest.

The “Cyclone” is a 45-foot boat with Walk-around deck and an onboard head. The boat can hold 42 passengers but this exclusive trip will be limited to a total of 30 members and guests.

Interested? Mail a non-refundable deposit of $20 for each person,
made payable to the Sea Trail Fishing Club to:
Alan Trojan
917 Wedge Pointe Drive
Sunset Beach, NC 28468

Don’t Delay! The offer closes as soon as the boat is filled!