Tag Archives: fishing

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

coastalncApril 24, 2025, 5:27 PM

https://coastalanglermag.com/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

North Carolina Marine Fisheries Regulations Threaten Financial Liveliehood of N. C. and S. C. Charter Captains and Fishing Guides.
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. Insert pic 1 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.

“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.

“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.“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.

New recreational, commercial harvest reporting requirements delayed to Dec. 1, 2025

        July 12, 2024   New recreational, commercial harvest reporting requirements delayed to Dec. 1, 2025   MOREHEAD CITY – New harvest reporting requirements for recreational and commercial fisheries have been delayed by one year and will now become effective on Dec. 1, 2025.   The N.C. General Assembly recently passed Session Law 2024-45, which, in part, amends legislation from last fall that would have implemented the harvest reporting requirements on Dec. 1, 2024.   This extension will allow the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) to engage with stakeholders, not only to inform them about the requirements, but also to ensure that the reporting process and tool(s) are robust and user-friendly.   The legislation from last fall requires that any person who recreationally harvests Red Drum, flounder, Spotted Seatrout (speckled trout), Striped Bass and Weakfish (gray trout) must report that harvest to the DMF. This requirement applies to fish harvested from coastal fishing waters, joint fishing waters and inland fishing waters adjacent to coastal or joint fishing waters.   Additionally, the law requires anyone holding a commercial fishing license who is engaged in a commercial fishing operation to report all fish harvested to DMF, regardless of sale.   More information, including links to temporary rules to implement the laws, can be found on the Mandatory Harvest Reporting webpage at https://www.deq.nc.gov/mandatory-harvest-reporting. The webpage will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
For More Information:   DMF Contact: Patricia Smith Phone: 252-515-5500   https://www.deq.nc.gov/dmf   P.O. Box 769, 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City N.C. 28577 WRC Contact: Fairley Mahlum Phone: 919-707-0180   https://www.ncwildlife.org 1701 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700     NC Division of Marine Fisheries | 3441 Arendell Street | Morehead City, NC 28557 US   Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
July 12, 2024 e-mail from NCDMF dmfnews@deq.nc.gov

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A First Timer’s Fish Tale

Five-year-old Jameson with his first catfish catch. Photo & Article contributed by Mike Shannon of Sea Trail Fishing Club.

One of the most lasting childhood memories is the experience of the first fish caught. Usually, a father, granddad, uncle or childhood friend is behind that memory. For William’s son, 5-year-old Jameson, the story goes beyond that.

On opening day of this year’s Sunset Beach Pier season, William decided to take his son along to renew his annual pier fishing and parking pass. The pier is managed and operated by Gary and Teresa Massey. Since taking over the pier management, the Masseys have made several improvements, including 24/7 live cameras showing great views of fishing action on the pier, as well as activity and wave conditions on the beach.

The Masseys sponsor live music entertainment between May and September and support the local Sea Trail Fishing Club (STFC) by hosting pier fishing tournaments. As part of that cooperation, the fishing club was given space to set up an information booth on the ramp leading to the pier’s grill and tackle shop.

Jim was just one of the several STFC members that helped to staff the info booth during the two-day opening weekend; but what Jim noticed was that most of the many customers coming to renew fishing permits were, shall we say, “seniors.”

Jim decided that an outreach plan was needed for younger anglers. He purchased a rod and reel combo in the tackle shop and left it at the STFC booth to be presented to the first youngster to show up. Teresa Massey added to the gift by spooling a new line on the reel.

Sometime later, Bill and Jameson arrived on the scene to find out that they were the recipients of the new rod and reel combo.

In the aftermath, a fishing trip was planned, and Bill took Jameson to a big pond in Brunswick Plantation. Bill says the outing provided a lot of excitement for both of them. Jameson hooked a catfish and started to reel it in by himself. but the big cat’ was too strong and started to pull him toward the water. So, his dad held the rod and let Jameson reel it in. No measurements were taken, but by the looks of the picture, it would be hard to guess who weighed the most.

Courtesy of your Brunswick Beacon https://www.newsargus.com/brunswick_beacon/sports/a-first-timer-s-fish-tale/article_1c209dbf-b8c1-51b7-b5dd-5bea7a909d75.html

Terrific 12 hour Offshore Bottom Fishing Trips

One of our newest members, Andrew David, in conjunction with Seacoast Anglers in Little River, SC has arranged monthly trips toward the Gulf Stream using Fish Screamer Charters located in Little River.

https://www.myrtlebeachdeepseafishing.com/

Andrew David has reserved the second Saturday of each month for the Club.  The May 11th trip on the STFC Calendar of Events will be this trip.  Going to the Gulf Stream for $225 each is a special negotiated price arranged by Andrew (thanks, Andrew!).  I spoke with Andrew this morning.  I understood him to say that each time he goes, he comes back with 35+ pounds of fish.  

The NC grouper season opens in early May.  This would be a great trip to get in on the Wild Card category in the Fishing Tournament and get you some groceries for your freezer!

Instructions on how to reserve your spot are included in the message.  I’m sure that bringing a guest would be OK.

Please consider supporting this trip.  

12 hour Offshore Bottom Fishing Trips. 

Saturdays:  April 13th, May 11th, June 8th, July 13th, September 14th and October 12th

I have a weekday trip scheduled for Thursday August the 8th.

We are planning monthly 12 hour Gulf bottom fishing trips again this year on board the Fish Screamer 3 out of Little River.

Last year every trip was a success and the ice boxes were full of fish as the many pictures showed.

Fish Screamer III /// ran by Captain Danny ( I think 3rd generation Captain here) 

4458 Water Front Avenue, Little River, SC 29566   (Behind Crab Catchers Restaurant on the water)

 Boat takes up to 10 passengers very comfortably and fishing is not crowded.

It Is a very wide boat and handles the seas very well.

Boat will be leaving at 6:00am and returning at 6:00pm.

Please get there 20 minutes before so we can leave at 6:00am sharp.

Will be going out about 45-60 miles and bottom fishing usually 100ft++.

Cost is $225 per person + tip to the mate (includes fresh bait not crap and a very high level of service)

 If you’re interested, please call or email Andrew David (cell 410-404-0972) /andrewid83@gmail.com 

 Send a check for to hold your spot to: Andrew David 706 Royal Fern Ct, Calabash NC 28467

Fishing School Opportunity

I know that all of our Sea Trail Fishing Club Members are not on the STFC FaceBook site so I am re-posting these opportunities. I am planning on attending the Wilmington event on March 9th. Feel free to contact me (immikeru@gmail.com) if you want to ride-share to this event.

Fishing School Opportunity

Fisherman’s Post, the media group that covers most of the saltwater fishing action along the Carolina coast, will be hosting its eighteenth annual Wilmington In-Person Saltwater Fishing School on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Roland Grise Middle School (4412 Lake Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403) from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

This year you can also gain access to video recordings of all five main seminars (a mix of inshore, nearshore, and offshore presentations), and the video recordings are available for those who attend in-person or for those that wish to enjoy all the knowledge and insights from the comfort of their home (and have unlimited access for three months after the school date).

For those interested there is also a similar event to be held in Morehead City on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center on Arendell Street from 7:30 am-5:00 pm.