Fishing – Carolina Fish and Hunt

NC anglers mandatory harvest reporting begins Dec. 1

Beginning Dec. 1, 2025, North Carolina anglers will be required to report their harvests of five species to NCDMF.

Anglers fishing in North Carolina’s Coastal, Joint and some Inland fishing waters will be required to report their harvests of certain fish beginning Dec. 1, 2025.

The harvest reporting requirements impact both recreational and commercial fishermen. Any recreational angler who harvests red drum, flounder, speckled trout, striped bass and weakfish (gray trout) will be required to report their harvests to the NC Division of Marine Fisheries.

Fish harvested from the waters shown in this map are required to be reported:

Map showing harvest reporting requirements

Commercial anglers must report all harvested fish to the agency, whether they sell the fish or not.

Information required when reporting recreational catches:

Fishing license number
Date of harvest
Number of each of the five species caught and kept
Area where the fish were harvested
Type of gear used

Methods to report recreational harvests:

Scan the DMF’s QR code or navigate to the following URL: https://deq.nc/gov/report-my-fish
Download the new Division of Marine Fisheries app in the app store. (Apple app available now, Android app coming soon

Recreational anglers fishing from a boat must report their harvest when they reach the shore or dock. Those fishing on land must report their harvest once they are no longer engaged in fishing.

If you anticipate not having cell phone/internet connection at the time of your harvest, you may download a report card from the DMF website. Use the report card to keep track of your harvests, then you’ll have until midnight the following day to submit your information electronically.

The law will be phased in over a 3-year period, with verbal warnings issued during the first year, followed by warning tickets during the second year, then a monetary fine plus court fees during the third year. During the third year, failing to report your harvests will also count towards suspension of fishing licenses and permits.

North Carolina hunting, fishing license increase

North Carolina hunters and anglers will pay a little more to hunt and fish after July 1, 2024.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has announced an increase for hunting licenses, fishing licenses, trapping licenses, and other fees such as permits and stamps. The increase takes effect on July 1, 2024.

The new increased fees were approved by NCWRC at their April business meeting, then approved by the Rules Review Commission in May.

The public was allowed input beginning in February through virtual public hearing, email, the online portal, and through the mail. The public input was carefully reviewed, according to NCWRC, before they voted on the increased fees.

The increased fees will be based on the total increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers since the last fee increase, which was on Jan. 1, 2020. The increased revenue will help NCWRC with operating costs, which have increased due to inflation and an increased demand for services by outdoorsmen.

NCWRC’s budget is funded by the sale of licenses, vessel titles and registrations, federal grants, general fund appopriations, and other means. License sales make up approximately 25 percent of the Commission’s yearly revenue.

The funds are used to support NCWRC’s programs focused on species management, habitat enhancement, enforcement of regulations, education, and public access.

To buy a North Carolina hunting and/or fishing license, visit gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com or visit a Wildlife Service Agent.

Joolca: shower off in the great outdoors

You know how you feel after a long day in the great outdoors. You’re tired and dirty. And you’re trying to figure out how to get inside your vehicle without creating a filthy mess.

Joolca Hottap to the rescue! Why wait until you get home to shower off? Get clean and revived with a good shower that’s as hot as you want it to be, right there beside your vehicle.

Take a “quick shower” with your clothes on (today’s quick-dry materials make it entirely possible), or strip down inside the company’s Ensuite, a tent-like shower stall that gives you all the privacy you want, with great features like the mesh liner around the floor, ventilation, a toiletry organizer, dry clothes storage, and a frame that’s quick and easy to set up, and just as quick and easy to store away.

So what is the HOTTAP? It’s all you need to get clean, no matter where you are, and you can use water that you bring, or water that’s available from a nearby creek, river, pond, etc. With a 100-foot hose, complete with a powerful pump, you just need a water source that’s nearby. Using a propane bottle, you’ve got instant hot water, thanks to the 37,500 BTU burner.

The pump, which is self-priming, and battery powered, pushes water at 1.6 gallons per minute. It can even pump up an incline. And if it happens to run dry, no problem, that’s not going to damage it.

Worried about pollutants in the nearby stream you want to draw water from? Don’t fret, the HOTTAP features a two-stage water filter. It removes everything but the tiniest of sediments.

The adjustable showerhead has an on/off switch, so you can rinse and soap up with as much (or little) water flowing as you’d like. It’s also easy to mount in the Ensuite, or attached to a number of different surfaces, including the side of your truck/car/camper/trailer, etc, thanks to the magnetic head. Showering by a tree? Just hang the showerhead by a hook. The options are wide open.

The HOTTAP also features a temperature display and diagnostics, so if anything goes wrong, you’ll know it right away.

The Joolca HOTTAP is just as handy for cleaning of your fishing rods, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, bicycles, ATVs, or even your dog. Stop putting dirty stuff in your vehicle and get the Joolca HOTTAP for all your outdoor adventures. Check it out at joolca.com.

NC anglers face mandatory harvest reporting

North Carolina anglers, get ready to report your harvests to DMF.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2024, North Carolina’s recreational anglers will be required to report all harvests of red drum, flounder, speckled trout, striped bass, and weakfish (a/k/a gray trout) to the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF).

Anyone holding a commercial license and is engaged in a commercial fishing operation must also report all fish harvested to DMF, whether they sell those fish or not.

This new law, which DMF is calling a temporary rule, was passed on June 6, 2024 after being passed by the NC General Assembly in the fall of 2023.

These mandatory harvest reports apply to Coastal Waters, Joint Waters, and Inland Waters that are adjacent to Coastal and Joint Waters. DMF is currently establishing the process through which anglers will make their reports. The reporting system, which is estimated to cost $5 million, will be funded through an allocation to DMF.

The rules will be enforced by both the DMF’s Marine Patrol and the NCWRC’s Law Enforcement Division. The new rule will be phased in over the next three years.

Phase 1: Effective Dec. 1, 2024, will include verbal warnings for failure to report harvests

Phase 2: Starting Dec. 1, 2025, warning tickets will be issued for failure to report harvests

Phase3: Beginning Dec. 1, 2026, a $35 fine will be issued for failure to report harvests. These “infractions will also count towards suspension of fishing licenses and permits.”

For more information, click here.

Western NC angler catches 10+ pound brown trout

Tyler Wike caught a 10.4-pound brown trout from the Nantahala River on April 24, 2024.

Tyler Wike caught a 10.4-pound brown trout while fishing the Nantahala River in western NC on April 24, 2024.

Wike, of Swain County, NC said making the catch was quite a treat, especially since he landed it on what many consider to be a beginner’s rod-and-reel.

“It’s my biggest brown trout ever,” said Wike. “The Nantahala never disappoints. It took 30 minutes to get him in. And here is the kicker: it was caught on a Zebco 33 rod-and-reel with 10-pound test fishing line.”

Why knives make the best Christmas gifts

Knives make great Christmas gifts.

Kayaker missing on Lake Jocassee

According to Oconee County (SC) Emergency Services, a kayaker that went missing on Oct. 7, 2023 is still unaccounted for as of Oct. 9. The man was kayaking to a remote camping spot with a female companion when both of their kayaks were overtaken by waves and capsized on Lake Jocassee.

The female kayaker was found and hospitalized for hypothermia shortly after the mishap. She is expected to make a full recovery. According to SCDNR officials, neither of the kayakers were wearing life jackets.

Rescue crews have used sonar technology to search for the man, and have found some of his belongings. But he is still missing.

Lake Jocassee is a popular lake, located in South Carolina’s upstate region. It is known as a lake that can turn from calm to rough without warning.

Click here for an update to this story.

Mackenzie’s Fisherman Hand Scrub

Got smelly hands? Mackenzie’s Fisherman Hand Scrub has the cure!

Was a time when I kept a tube of toothpaste at my fish-cleaning station. But it wasn’t for brushing my teeth. I used it to rub thoroughly into my hands after I’d washed them, attempting to cover the fish smell that even soap couldn’t get rid of.

But you won’t find toothpaste there any longer. Or bars of soap for that matter. Mackenzie’s Fisherman Hand Scrub is what I use now, and it’s pretty much a miracle product in my estimation.

Once I’m done cleaning fish, sealing up the fillets and tossing out the bones and such, I run a little warm water, squirt a dab of Mackenzie’s on the palm of one hand, then rub it and scrub it in with the other hand.

This is a true scrub, with particles embedded into soap, so as you rub it in, it doesn’t just clean; it deep cleans. And that’s what you need after cleaning piles of slimy, smelly fish. You might call it a harsh scrub, but it’s only harsh where it needs to be. And it leaves your hands not only clean, but also feeling refreshed and invigorated.

That comes from its ingredients, like coconut husks, pumice, lemon essential oils, coconut oil and red palm oil. It’s all a part of the perfect combination needed to give your hands a deep clean, while also keeping those hands moisturized, smooth and fresh.

It’s a great gift for yourself, or for anyone you know who loves to fish or do any type of outdoor chores. Bonus tip: if you hire a charter guide, he’ll never forget who gifted him some Mackenzie’s Fisherman Hand Scrub.

Click here to order some hand scrub and check out all the other fine products at fishermanhandscrub.com.

BOTE Inflatable Rackham Aero with Apex Drive

The inflatable BOTE Rackham Aero with Apex Drive is a stable watercraft that’s a joy to fish from.

Today’s inflatable watercraft are highly durable and super stable. Gone are the days of fearing a blowout on the water, just like the days of feeling “bouncy” when the watercraft is fully inflated.

The Inflatable Bote Rackham Aero with Apex Drive stands at the forefront of modern stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) innovation, embodying a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, portability, and high-performance capabilities. This remarkable inflatable SUP model redefines the paddling experience, offering a seamless fusion of convenience and excitement.

Inflatable Versatility: The Rackham Aero with Apex Drive features a robust inflatable design crafted from rugged military-grade PVC material. Utilizing advanced drop-stitch construction, this board achieves a remarkably sturdy and stable platform on the water, ensuring a secure footing for paddlers. Its inflatable nature allows for effortless deflation and storage, making it a supremely portable option for both local adventures and distant explorations.

Apex Drive Propulsion System: The pinnacle of innovation lies in the Apex Drive propulsion system. This groundbreaking technology integrates an electric motor directly into the board’s framework. Positioned at the stern, the Apex Drive system empowers paddlers with adjustable speed and directional controls, all conveniently managed through a wireless remote. This feature revolutionizes the SUP experience, offering an exhilarating alternative to conventional paddling and broadening the accessibility of the sport to paddlers of diverse skill levels.

Unparalleled Performance: The Apex Drive system doesn’t merely elevate speed; it amplifies maneuverability as well. Paddlers can gracefully navigate diverse water conditions, from calm lakes to meandering rivers, all with enhanced precision and ease. The wireless remote ensures real-time adjustments, catering to individual preferences and creating an immersive and personalized aquatic adventure.

Adaptability for Activities: The Rackham Aero’s design versatility caters to an array of waterborne pursuits. With its spacious deck area, the board accommodates gear, catering to fishing enthusiasts and explorers who wish to carry equipment. Its reliable stability and responsiveness lend themselves to touring, fishing, leisurely paddling, and more, encapsulating the essence of SUP versatility.

Eco-Conscious Engineering: The integration of the Apex Drive system is a testament to the board’s eco-conscious approach. This technology minimizes the impact on aquatic ecosystems and contributes to the growing movement of sustainable water recreation.

In summation, the Inflatable Bote Rackham Aero with Apex Drive transcends the boundaries of traditional stand-up paddleboarding. Its inflatable design marries convenience with durability, allowing adventurers to seize opportunities on any water body. The revolutionary Apex Drive propulsion system redefines paddling dynamics, infusing excitement and accessibility into the sport. With its inventive features, adaptable performance, and dedication to responsible recreation, the Rackham Aero with Apex Drive epitomizes the future of stand-up paddleboarding, inviting paddlers to embark on a journey of thrilling aquatic exploration.

Crispy bluegill delight

This crispy bluegill recipe is top notch!

This is my unbeatable recipe for fried bluegill. This dish takes me back to lazy summer days by the lake (and the Wateree River, a severely underrated bluegill fishery), and I’m excited to share it with you. The key here is keeping some of the larger bluegills you catch, because you want to filet them for this dish. This makes them easy for anyone to eat, and the resemblance to chicken fingers will appeal even to folks who may shy away from eating fish. No bones in this recipe! So grab your fishing rod, catch some fresh bluegill, and let’s get cooking.

Ingredients:

Freshly caught bluegill fillets
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Canola oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. The Catch of the Day: The key to mouthwatering fried bluegill starts with the freshest catch. Head to your favorite fishing spot and reel in some plump bluegill. Clean and fillet the fish, removing any bones but keeping the skin for extra flavor.

2. Seasoned Cornmeal Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it up – this is where the magic begins!

3. Dippin’ and Coatin’: Heat up a generous amount of canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoking. While the oil is heating, pat the bluegill fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet into the seasoned cornmeal mixture, ensuring a nice, even coating on both sides.

4. Dive into Deliciousness: Carefully place the coated bluegill fillets into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to keep an eye on them – you want that perfect crunch without overcooking.

5. Patience and Paper Towels: Once your bluegill fillets are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them rest for a moment – although resisting that temptation might be a challenge!

6. Dive In, Flavor Explosion! The moment you’ve been waiting for: it’s time to indulge. Grab a fork and bite into the crunchy coating to reveal the tender, flaky bluegill inside. The blend of spices and the satisfying crunch will transport you straight to the lake.

7. Savor the Moment: Serve your fried bluegill with your choice of sides – think fresh lemon wedges, coleslaw, or a zesty tartar sauce. Don’t forget to share this delicious dish with friends and family – they’ll be begging for your secret recipe!

My fried bluegill recipe is more than just food; it’s a taste of nostalgia and a celebration of the great outdoors. So whether you’re reminiscing about summers by the lake or just craving a crispy, flavorful meal, give this recipe a try. It’s a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss!

And hey, if you catch some shellcrackers or any other kind of panfish, don’t throw them back! They fry up (and taste) just as good as bluegills!