https://vaflyfishingfestival.com/?utm_campaign=TFD%3A%20BRC%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9x_Nes16WkQKPBWDJX_LsA0bVH-WU2s3nywk6-sGn64xgTMGb4KW3bkdOEjfkgYnv57m9p-RGYtshZWwSus6UvYpqDhA&_hsmi=394256824&utm_content=394260695&utm_source=hs_email

Friday November 14, 2025

Early last year, our foundation launched a multi-year research initiative with the Division of Marine Fisheries to track adult red drum movements using satellite tags. The project started with a pilot study in which Division staff tagged 10 red drum in Pamlico Sound. From there, the 2025 plans expanded to include 40 additional red drum tagged along the North Carolina coast.

Throughout the process, our foundation toyed with the idea of creating an interactive platform to showcase the movements of these tagged fish in near real time. What began as a far-fetched concept became a real possibility when we connected with a development company called Mapotic. After countless video calls, long email chains, and plenty of beta testing, our vision was brought to life. And now, we’re thrilled to share that our red drum tracking platform is officially live!

This project would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors, partners, recreational guides, Division staff, and many others who contributed along the way.

We would love for you to join our growing community of supporters, whether it be through financial contributions, sporting our merch, or simply sharing our content with friends and family. So, check out the platform, and feel free to contact us with questions, comments, or even a creative fish name! To learn more about the platform launch, check out our press release.

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 1^st. “

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

https://www.carolinaallout.com/post/history-being-made-here?mc_cid=f74865666b&mc_eid=fca836be48

Summertime means hot smallmouth action in WNC

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.