Experience is ‘sole reason hundreds of thousand go fishing every year,’ saltwater fisheries management review committee told
The state legislature’s Committee on Marine Fisheries met for the second time yesterday (Feb. 2), this time to hear comments from saltwater-fishing industry representatives. And the divide between the commercial industry and those pushing for gamefish protection of redfish, speckled trout and striped bass was clear.
“Some will question me and sincerely ask, ‘Are you saying we need to relegate, legislate and manage red drum, striped bass and speckled trout simply so people can enjoy the experience of catching them?’” veteran Colerain angler Ray Brown told committee members. “The answer is ‘Yes.’
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Study used by Perdue shows recreational fishing more important than commercial fishing
Statistics that Gov. Bev Perdue used to try and convince the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue the dredging of Oregon Inlet last year provides plenty of fodder for those supporting changes in the way North Carolina manages its saltwater fisheries resources.
The plea by Perdue actually shows recreational saltwater fishing is far more important to the state's economy than commercial fishing, which strengthens the argument for protection of red drum, speckled trout and stripers by granting those species gamefish status.
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X-2 Deep-Diving Crankbait
Designed to help you catch more bass, ABT Lure Company’s “Next Generation” X-2 lure also significantly reduces resistance upon retrieve, eliminating the normal fatigue associated with fishing a deep-diver for a long period of time. The X-2 dives down rapidly to a maximum depth of 12 feet, reflects off bottom structure and produces a tight wobble that bass can’t resist. Anglers can choose from a variety of proven fish-attracting colors and patterns.
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Hyper Lizard
Lake Fork Trophy Lures’ 9-inch Hyper Lizard is as innovative as it is productive. The action of the segmented body combined with the oversized paddle tail on this unique bait creates a realistic vibration that entices fierce reaction strikes. Fish it Texas- or Carolina-rigged. Either way, spring bass will smash it.
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MirrOlure Lil John
Available in fourteen popular color patterns, the MirrOlure Lil John Twitchbait is the latest addition to MirrOlure’s popular soft plastic product line. Its special tube shaped body allows for great action and unmatched casting distance. Added “shrimp scent” and incomparable durability make it a great soft plastic for trout, redfish, flounder, snook and striped bass.
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The weatherman rules...
Probably more than any other month, the fishing in February depends on the weather; that’s what it’s all about. When you get really cold weather, it’s tough. When it warms up, it’s really good.
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Stripers on Stage
February delivers bone-chilling conditions across much of North Carolina and, surprising to some, sizzling striped bass angling on the lower section of the Roanoke River, near its confluence with the Albemarle Sound.
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Recovery mission continues on successful path
Strict harvest regulations the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission put in place in the 1980s saved one of America’s most-popular gamefish. The striped bass was in major decline from overfishing along the entire Atlantic portion of their range; its popularity and demand in the early 1970s and 1980s led to their demise.
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Deep-stripping for stripers
Striped bass can be extremely aggressive and powerful, testing the integrity of the line, lure and reel. Even during bone-chilling conditions, these fish are feisty creatures, willing to eat. Stripers will seek out available baitfish and will not pass up a tasty-looking meal presented in front of their noses. Fly anglers are right at home under winter conditions.
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Hot reds in the cold surf zone
The bone-chilling conditions of February offer some of the best light-tackle angling of the year in the surf of Onslow Bay. Between the shores of Topsail Beach and Bogue Inlet to the north, huge schools of red drum pack into the surf in just a few feet of water to escape the wrath of porpoises. Fishermen tossing scented soft plastics will quickly be rewarded by strikes from these famished beasts in the gin-clear winter waters.
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Keep your distance
The winter red drum fishery along the beachfront offers anglers a unique experience, with thousands of fish in skinny, gin-clear waters.
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Abandon ship
Winter weather patterns usually direct winds from the north and west, laying down the ocean off the beach fronts along the Onslow County shoreline. Uunfavorable winds will show up, spoiling a fishing trip, but options exist for these conditions for part of these fishable areas.
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Avoid rogue waves
By definition, the surf is the area where waves break upon the shore. Given that prevailing winds blow offshore during thewinter, some ground swell will arrive at the beachfront each day under any condition, quickly topping over within the shallow waters of the shoal. Angling in this zone can be quite dangerous, with currents and the possibility of a set of rogue waves arriving without much notice. Even under calm conditions and light seas, the surf zone comes with its dangers.
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Go Big!
The striper fishery on the lower Roanoke and western Albemarle Sound is one of the best in the state during the winter. Staging behavior at the mouth of the spawning routes will produce bumper catches of winter stripers.
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