The Wildlife Resources Commission has proposed requiring paid passes for recreational uses of state game lands, a plan that could improve safety during hunting season but may make access out of reach for large user groups.
fishing
Don’t judge as convict, sheepshead only criminally delicious
Their black-and-white markings may make them look like jailbirds, but these toothy fish’s diets translate to good eating for us, as well as sporting pursuit.
NC Catch Summit March 10 to promote local seafood
Organizers have planned discussions on North Carolina fisheries, the value of community-based seafood businesses, seafood trends, marketing strategies, the new commercial fishing academy at Carteret Community College and consumer education.
Wildlife officials suspend Roanoke River striped bass season
The striped bass population in the Roanoke River Management Area is not recovering, despite state-imposed harvest reductions in years past, state Wildlife Resources Commission officials say.
African Americans in seafood industry heart of new exhibit
The exhibit debuting March 9 on Harkers Island features the ongoing NC Catch initiative that highlights African Americans in the state seafood industry.
Fishing for snacks: Food choices a crucial, overlooked detail
The importance of what one chooses to take along on fishing trips cannot be overstated, nor can words adequately describe this angler/columnist’s distaste for Vienna sausages.
State seeks feedback on proposed conservation access pass
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing to implement a pass program for non-licensed hunters, fishers and trappers to access state game lands, boating accesses and shooting ranges.
A boat is a boat, is a boat, is a boat … or is it really?
If you have or desire a boat that can do everything, you may wind up with a boat that can’t do anything — here’s how to know what you need.
For fishing tips, fuller life, fill your shelves with good books
Learning to fish — or simply navigating life on Earth — can be a far more enjoyable endeavor with the wisdom to be gleaned from the pages of all kinds of books.
People we meet while fishing: Seek Mentors, avoid Leeches
Fishing affords opportunities to encounter all kinds of personality types, many more toxic than helpful, but aspiring to be more like those you’d most like to meet may offer a roadmap.
By land or by sea
Kevin Hardy of Wilmar, near Vanceboro, fishes along Cape Lookout National Seashore as a commercial fishing trawler offshore heads southwest. Photo: Dylan Ray
Snappers, groupers, sea bass — oh my! Tips for success
Accomplished anglers Joel Elliot of the Hillsborough Sportfishing Club and Paul Gilbert of Wilmington share their advice to get you started with deep-water fishing for grouper and snapper.
Descender devices: Safely resend released fish to their depth
Bringing up a fish too quickly is rough on the fish, and if not a keeper, releasing it improperly results in barotrauma, meaning the poor thing is shark bait — that’s where descenders come in.
Division sinks trawler at artificial reef site off Cape Lookout
The vessel joins three others at the site 28 nautical miles south of Beaufort Inlet that is popular with fishermen and divers.
Gear up the night before or get left out, leftovers tomorrow
Don’t be that angler who waits until the last moment to rig up their equipment and then misses the action — procure and prepare in advance.
Capturing moments: Make the most of memorable catches
A few simple tips can turn that image of your once-in-a-lifetime experience on the water from stinker to a potential treasured family heirloom.