Wednesday, November 30, 2005
NC Bluefin Tuna Update
 Unusually warm Atlantic currents have kept the bluefin tuna out of North Carolina's waters so far this year and have lead to a slow season in the Northeast. As a result, there is quite a bit of room left in the quota this year for NC anglers. For the past few years North Carolina fishermen have had to race out for a chance to land a bluefin tuna before the quota is filled in only a few days. These warmer waters, while delaying the migration a few weeks, will mean that NC anglers will have weeks of fishing available. The National Marine Fisheries Commission also recently increased the bag limit to two fish per day earlier this month as well. While tagging and releasing bluefin is always commendable, the remaining 80% of the bluefin quota could be a windfall for commercial fishermen since bluefin averaged $6.36 a pound last year. Recreational anglers should see more opportunities as well when the fish do arrive late in the year. While no one here has yet to hook up with one of these amazing fish, from what we've heard it's almost a life changing experience and a lot like strapping yourself in the fighting chair and hooking your line to your buddy's SUV as he drives off. For more information on the quota and bluefin tuna permits, please visit the NMFC permit site below. NMFC Bluefin Tuna Permits and Harvest Info Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
North Carolina Fishing History
 After reading Carlson's book Hatteras Blues last month, we've been meaning to share a few of the great insights he provides into the history of fishing in North Carolina. Below are a few of our favorites...Most of the Outer Banks used to be one large island until a huge hurricane on September 7th and 8th in 1846 opened Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Inlet in just two days. Oregon Inlet was then named for the first ship to successfully navigate it. The first offshore Gulf Stream fishing trip off the NC coast was in the early 1920's when a wealthy tobacco executive named Tom Eaton was able to convince Captain Bill Gaskill of Ocracoke to make the treacherous trip. Gaskill deferred the trip to his son Thurston since he viewed this as a waste of his commercial fishing time, and therefore money. They went out Ocracoke Inlet, fished the Gulf Stream, got a little lost, and then finally made it home through Hatteras Inlet with 6 huge Mahi Mahi. Eaton loved the Outer Banks so much he later was the primary force behind electricity to Hatteras Island and the first ice plant for fishermen. Ernal and Bill Foster, captains of the Albatross Fleet out of Hatteras Village, are the main reason Hatteras Village is known as the "Billfish Capital of the World". They landed the first blue marlin for a paying customer, the first white marlin, the first sailfish, the first Grand Slam, the world record blue marlin at 810 pounds in 1962, the first catch and release blue marlin on the East Coast, and helped the first woman land a blue marlin. Almost all of these firsts were done with braided linen line and bamboo poles. Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Monday, November 28, 2005
Springer's Point Nature Preserve in Ocracoke
 Anyone who has ever been able to spend time on North Carolina's Outer Banks knows just how special our barrier islands are. Ocracoke, Roanoke, and Hatteras islands have seen a lot of development over the past few years and all that is really unique about each is in danger. A recent campaign by the NC Coastal Land Trust, assisted by the Ocracoke Preservation Society, is protecting 31 acres at Springer's Point with a promise to keep these lands from development forever. The NC Coastal Land Trust plans to purchase another 91 acres on an adjacent tract of land in the next few years. They are currently looking for some help to preserve this beautiful maritime forest and to build nature trails and informational kiosks that highlight the area's history as Blackbeard's refuge. The link below goes to the North Carolina Land Trust site and contains information for donations and how to volunteer time to help. Being a responsible fisherman is more than just adhering to regulations and releasing important fish species. It also involves helping preserve natural habitat we might take for granted so that our grandchildren can go fishing and see more than just strip malls and luxury homes on the Outer Banks. Info on NC Coastal Land Trust's Springer's Point Campaign Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Sunday, November 27, 2005
North Carolina Starts Oyster Shell Recycling Program
 The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries just started another great program to help NC maintain its abundant coastal resources and rebuild those that need a little extra help. The NC DMF plans to collect oyster shells from both businesses and individuals and use them to create reefs. These oyster shell reefs not only encourage oyster population growth which helps clean up NC's waters, but also provide great habitat for crabs and fish. The next time you have an oyster roast be sure to drop your shells by a collection location, those shells could be a lot more useful to the North Carolina coast than filling your driveway's potholes. Info on the program from the NC DMF is below as well as locations where you can drop off shells.Program info and drop-off locations from the NC DMF Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Saturday, November 26, 2005
NC Under Pier Oyster Program
 In 2004 the North Carolina General Assembly created the Under Pier Oyster Culture Program to allow NC citizens with piers and docks on the coast to grow up to 90 square feet of oysters for personal consumption. This program is run by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and NC Sea Grant and is a great way to grow your own fresh oysters and help purify the state's coastal waters (oysters are one of nature's check and balances to keep the water free of minor pollutants). Permits are just now becoming available and everyone we've spoken to is excited about signing up. The link to the NCDMF site below includes information on permits, how to build your own oyster growing cage, and tips for successful oyster cultivation. They also include great info on where to find the right oyster seed stock to get started. Best of all the program will help researchers learn how to improve North Carolina's wild oyster population. Get your permit today and you can help improve the state's water quality, contribute to important research, and provide yourself with a delicious oyster harvest right under your own pier.NC Oyster Cultivation Permits and Info from the NCDMF Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Invitational
 In the 48th annual Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament the Eastern Shore Anglers Club team didn't quite fare as well as usual. While they usually place in the top 10 and have won 3 times in the tournament's history, this year the team had to settle for 40th place out of the 120 teams that entered. Captain J.T. Bolding thought that this year's performance was due to the fair weather. The six man team was composed of captain Bolding, Bill Hall, Bill Mariner, Chuck Bradford, Allen Evans, Marty Bull and alternate Ken Ainsworth. While the team didn't hit the top 10, Captain J.T. Bolding did land the tournament's biggest fish with a 28 1/2 inch red drum. The tournament is extremely popular every year and some teams have even been on the waiting list since 1991. This year's overall winner was the Fishing Fools team of Nags Head.Nice Article on the Tournament from the NC WRC (PDF) Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Navy Sonar Tests on NC Coasts Opposed
 The Navy held it's first public hearings last Thursday on the Navy's plans to create an anti-submarine warfare training range off the North Carolina Coast. About 150 residents showed to voice their concerns and all thankfully seemed to oppose it. This new type of sonar testing and training, while undoubtedly beneficial to our military's abilities to track submarines, has had some serious potential problems with marine wildlife. This type of sonar has been blamed for some serious disturbances with marine mammals and various fish. 17 whales beached themselves in Bermuda because of the sonar tests and more recently 37 pilot whales beached themselves in January at Oregon Inlet after sonar tests off the North Carolina coast. Some charter captains also showed up at the public forum and said that they believe billfish and other sportfish could also suffer. If you get a chance to make one of the hearings please go and let them know more voters care. A quick email to your state representative or congressman might also help.Full Story from the N&O Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Monday, November 21, 2005
Morehead City Angler About To Set Record
 Amy McMullan of Ocean Isle Fishing Center may soon set a new IGFA world record for her recent catch of a king mackerel weighing 41 pounds, 6 ounces on just 8 pound test line. She currently has an application in to the IGFA, and if it's approved she will be the women's world record holder for that line class. Her king exceeds the current world record set in 1995 by 6 ounces. Congrats to Amy, we are excited to see that some folks still like to battle the big ones with light weight gear. We'll keep you posted on the status of her world record as we hear it.
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Sunday, November 20, 2005
We're Back
 Kendyle and Scott got back from the honeymoon today and from what we've heard the trip was just about perfect. Although the tropical storm down in the Caribbean was making everyone a little nervous, the weather held out long enough to be mostly cooperative. The only drawback was that winds were strong enough to ground almost every charter boat around. We'll be sure to post a few of the choice pics when they come in. Austin also had a few days of much needed rest and relaxation and is also back in the office with some renewed energy. Thanks everyone for your patience with the lack of posts, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the great North Carolina fishing updates coming down the pipe.
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Monday, November 14, 2005
Fishing-NC.com Wedding
 While we have slack on new posts this past week, we do have one great excuse... Kendyle and her fiance Scott were married on Saturday down in Georgia. Austin was also there as one of her beautiful bridesmaids. For those out there who don't know, Scott and Kendyle met while Kendyle was the assistant director of the North Carolina CCA at the Johnston County banquet. Talk about one great catch. They are getting ready to head down to the Caribbean for their honeymoon to relax and maybe even get in a few days of fishing. Since Austin is also going to be recovering from the festivities for the next few days we might not be able to get many posts up this next week, but just wait for the great report you'll hear from their honeymoon. After that we are going to be up and running full steam to provide you the best NC fishing news and North Carolina fishing resources around.
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Sunday, November 13, 2005
Reward For Tagged Red Drum
 One of our members just let us know about an important research project to help protect and improve North Carolina's red drum population. NC State University researchers are studying the habitat use and movements of red drum in North Carolina coastal waters, and tag returns by commercial and recreational fishermen are vital to the success of the project. If you catch a red drum with a yellow or red tag, please cut off the tag and call toll free 1-800-790-2780 in order to receive a monetary award, hat, or t-shirt for the tag and associated information. Yellow tags are worth $5, a t-shirt, or a hat, and red tags will land you $100. If you have any questions about the project or would like to learn more, please contact:Nathan BachelerArchive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Possible Offshore Oil Drilling in NC
 This is one story that we are going to keep our eyes on. Although there is a moratorium on offshore drilling in North Carolina through 2012, there is some discussion going on right now about drilling for oil and natural gas just 40 miles off the NC coast at Avon. Hurricanes already cause enough cause for concern without having to worry about the integrity of offshore oil platforms and pipelines. It could only take one spill to wipe out our unmatched fishing resources and beautiful beaches, and maybe we are biased, but our best natural resources are in the sea not under it. The full story from the New Bern Sun Journal is available here.
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Monday, November 07, 2005
Vehicles on Hatteras in Debate
 The National Park Service just held the first of three public forums to get input for their strategy on how to manage off road vehicle use for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. About 125 Hatteras residents turned out to share their concerns but they need help. The National Park Service's plans are still very much in the air, so if you like to be able to drive around Hatteras like we do, please take a few minutes to visit the Park Service's site and let them know how important vehicular access is. We are always in favor of taking care of our coastal resources, but there are a number of ways to protect NC's beaches and our native species while also allowing residents and visitors to the North Carolina coast access.Share Your Cape Hatteras National Seashore Comments Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Saturday, November 05, 2005
White Marlin Not An Endangered Species
 Most fishermen care about conservation more than people understand. Anglers know that only through proper planning and management can we ensure that the following generations will be able to enjoy the North Carolina coast the way we do today. At the same time, we are very excited about a recent compromise and judicial decision not to list the white marlin as an endangered species. White marlin do deserve special care and offshore anglers should continue to tag and release all billfish, but designating white marlin as an endangered species could have had serious reprocussions. Endangered species need habitat protection and this could have resulted in prohibiting recreational fishing in waters that the white marlin frequent. Think about it, white marlin, blue marlin, tuna are usually in the same spots. Your best locations could have been illegal to fish. We all need to make responsible decisions to ensure the sustainablity of our coastal resources so make sure that your friends are tagging and releasing billfish. The full story from North Carolina Sportsman Magazine is available here.Tag and Release Info from The Billfish Foundation Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Friday, November 04, 2005
NC Waterman Exhibition in Morehead City
 North Carolina Waterman is hosting its second annual saltwater fishing exhibition Saturday in Morehead City. This exhibition will feature a bunch of one on one how-to clinics and other fishing education for NC anglers. There will be numerous floor exhibitors including the US Coast Guard and several charter boat captains. The exhibition will also include some great speakers including Will Morgan, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina, Sean McKeon, executive director of the North Carolina Fisheries Association, and Preston Pate, director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. The show runs from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the National Guard Armory in Morehead City. Admission is $15 for adults and children get in free, this price also includes barbecue and chicken.
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Thursday, November 03, 2005
Funding for Inlet Dredging in Question
 Last winter there was a huge grassroots campaign to help drive funding for beach nourishment and dredging of shallow inlets along the North Carolina coast. Hundreds of fishermen and other boaters wrote their representatives to let them know how much this meant to the NC coast and as a result, $89.8 million was earmarked for coastal improvement in the annual Corps of Engineers budget. Although the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill made it through the NC Senate, it hit a brick wall in the NC House. Funding for dredging and other coastal improvements was cut for Bogue Banks, Surf City and North Topsail Beach and West Onslow Beach and New River. "Where it leaves us right now is kind of in a state of frustration because we are basically where we were a year ago," stated Allan Libby, president of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce. Write your senator, call your representative, and let them know that a whole lot of people support improving our coast. Link to NC House of Representatives Link to NC Senate Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend |
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Hatteras Blues by Tom Carlson
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A friend of ours recently referred us to a book on North Carolina fishing by Tom Carlson that was just published by UNC Press, Hatteras Blues: A Story from the Edge of America. In the book, Carlson tells the story of the Foster family of Hatteras Village, who gave birth to the multi-million dollar charter fishing industry on the Outer Banks. This is an amazingly powerful story of old sport fishing ways, of personal loss, and of an era that is quickly fading into memory. It also paints a detailed view of a quiet NC fishing town's struggle against real estate development and the perils of life on the sea. Carlson's Hatteras Blues is one that every North Carolina angler should read to better understand our state's history and character, and to better appreciate that both are eroding a little more every day. Link to UNC Press Interview with Tom Carlson Purchase Hatteras Blues from Amazon 
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