Tag: fishing

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.

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.

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!