<![CDATA[Sport Fishing Forums - North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia]]> http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:31:18 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Sport Fishing Forums - North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia]]> http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/ Coast Guard assist man near Hatteras, N.C http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/coast-guard-assist-man-near-hatteras-n-c-376197.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:52:41 GMT FRISCO, N.C. – A Coast Guard Station Hatteras crew rescued a man Friday afternoon as waves were breaking over the bow and stern of his 21-foot skiff near Kings Channel Marker 6, a couple miles north of Frisco. Dare County 911 called Sector North Carolina watchstanders at 12:07 p.m. and reported... FRISCO, N.C. – A Coast Guard Station Hatteras crew rescued a man Friday afternoon as waves were breaking over the bow and stern of his 21-foot skiff near Kings Channel Marker 6, a couple miles north of Frisco.
Dare County 911 called Sector North Carolina watchstanders at 12:07 p.m. and reported that the man’s boat was flooding. The watchstanders launched a 25-foot rescue boat crew from the station who arrived to the anchored boat within 15 minutes.

By the time the boat crew arrived on scene the man had already lost some of his safety equipment due to the severe weather, and his cell phone was no longer working properly.

They were able to tow the boat to safety at Avon Seafood 4-5 miles away.

“The main thing that concerned me was that when he called in, he only had a cell phone,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy B. Culican, the rescue boat’s coxswain. “Once we got on scene we saw the weather and how it was affecting his boat. We didn’t have any communications with him, and it really heightened the level of apprehension.” ]]> jackdaniels http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/coast-guard-assist-man-near-hatteras-n-c-376197.html When Ida clears, try gray trout http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/when-ida-clears-try-gray-trout-372393.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:59:15 GMT When Ida clears, try gray trout By Craig Holt November 11, 2009 Big gray trout are available at a prime bottom area near Swansboro during the fall. Big gray trout are available at a prime bottom area near Swansboro during the fall. Hurricane Ida literally put a damper on fishing... When Ida clears, try gray trout

By Craig Holt
November 11, 2009

Big gray trout are available at a prime bottom area near Swansboro during the fall.

Big gray trout are available at a prime bottom area near Swansboro during the fall.
Hurricane Ida literally put a damper on fishing this week as its counterclockwise winds and torrential rains drove boats off the Atlantic and made pier and surf fishing improbable and kept freshwater anglers at home.

However, when Ida clears the state’s waters, fall fishing should pick up in a few days.

Capt. Jot Owens of SeaPath Marina, Wrightsville Beach (910-233-4139), said he knew a spot for some of the best fall gray trout fishing at the Tar Heel coast.

Gray trout caught in N.C. waters normally weigh less than 1 1/2 pounds, except for a couple of near-shore spots. The most famous is Johns Creek, which isn’t really a creek but a nearshore bottom area between Masonboro Island and Carolina Beach. (Johns Creek actually is the remnant of a creek channel on the ocean floor that once extended through a now-closed inlet. A good starting point GPS number for Johns Creek is N34 06.361, W77 50.829).

“But there’s a place off Swansboro that’s better, in my opinion, than Johns Creek for gray trout,” Owens said.

Best times to find grays at this area are October through December, then during the spring, he said. The region is ¾-mile wide by 1-mile long.

“I think it’s the best gray trout hole in North Carolina,” he said. “You can catch fish from 1 ½ pounds to 4 pounds, and there are not many places where you can do that.”

Owens’ prime weakfish hole is shallow, ranging from 15 to 40 feet, so it’s not far offshore, although he understandably is reluctant to reveal its exact location.

Stingsilvers (a shiny jig) are a good lure choice for catching smaller weakfish, while 3-inch-long finger mullets seem to catch bigger grays.

“You also can use diamond jigs or double speck rigs tipped with Fish Bites,” Owens said. “Gotcha leadheads fished in tandem also will catch ’em.” ]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/when-ida-clears-try-gray-trout-372393.html OBX fall 09 drum fishing http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/obx-fall-09-drum-fishing-371443.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:06:28 GMT This is a good vidio clip from FishMilitia. It was shot this fall on the outerbanks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihs3KzpWXL0 This report from Frank and Frans the fishermans friend. 38 drum caught in one day off of the Avon pier i think. Missy, Pat and Arch tearing it up again.... This is a good vidio clip from FishMilitia. It was shot this fall on the outerbanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihs3KzpWXL0


This report from Frank and Frans the fishermans friend.
38 drum caught in one day off of the Avon pier i think.
Missy, Pat and Arch tearing it up again. Great job.

http://reelbuzz.com/fishreports/frankandfrans/ ]]> http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/obx-fall-09-drum-fishing-371443.html NC Job available http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/nc-job-available-368667.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:02:34 GMT Wildlife/Fisheries Technician I Vacancy Number 60091011 Appointment Type Temporary Full-Time Salary Grade 60 Division Inland Fisheries Salary Range $11.78 - $18.12/hour Work Location/County Chatham County Posting Date: November 16, 2009 Closing Date: Open until filled Wildlife/Fisheries Technician I

Vacancy Number 60091011 Appointment Type Temporary Full-Time

Salary Grade 60 Division Inland Fisheries

Salary Range $11.78 - $18.12/hour Work Location/County Chatham County

Posting Date: November 16, 2009 Closing Date: Open until filled

Description of Work


This 11-month position (December 15, 2009 – November 15, 2010) will be responsible for the collection, processing, and quality assurance of biological and creel survey data at B.E. Jordan Reservoir (Chatham and Durham counties). The creel technician will conduct access-based counts and interviews of anglers as part of a 12-month creel survey and will manage and process data electronically via field computer. Weekly work schedules (40 hours) will vary and include weekends. Work responsibilities will be completed independently under the general supervision of the District Fisheries Biologist. This position functions with a high degree of public interaction and also serves as a contact and liaison between the Wildlife Resources Commission and the general public.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

This position requires the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing and to interact effectively with the angling public. The position requires a working knowledge of freshwater fish ecology, freshwater fishes of North Carolina, fisheries management principles and techniques, and recreational fishing practices. The position requires organizational skills and flexible scheduling, the ability to conduct and interpret field investigations with minimal direct supervision, and the ability to adapt to field conditions and make decisions regarding survey methods on a daily basis. Experience with operation and maintenance of the field equipment used in fisheries management is required.

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements


Graduation from a two-year technical college with an Associate’s Degree in wildlife or fisheries management and one year of experience in the management of wildlife or fisheries resources; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Management prefers applicants who have completed a four-year degree in Fisheries Science. A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required.

How to Apply


Submit NC State Government Application for Employment PD-107 (www.osp.state.nc.us/jobs/gnrlinfo.htm) to:

Christian Waters

Piedmont Fishery Supervisor

Wildlife Resources Commission

Address: 74 Brookwood Drive

Smithfield, NC 27577 ]]> jackdaniels http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/nc-job-available-368667.html How long? http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/how-long-366974.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:55:37 GMT Before the fishing slows to a grinding halt in your guys neck of the woods. We may be doing some winter fishing tournaments in FLA and I was thinking of doin some inshore fishing on the way back through. Before the fishing slows to a grinding halt in your guys neck of the woods. We may be doing some winter fishing tournaments in FLA and I was thinking of doin some inshore fishing on the way back through. ]]> Fish Biz http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/how-long-366974.html The wedding is over-back to catching fish http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/wedding-over-back-catching-fish-366969.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:33:30 GMT As many of you know, I got married on Oct 10 and spent the next two weeks in Hawaii. While there, I spent one day Marlin fishing out of Kona. I didn't catch my marlin, but I did get hooked up with an approx. 400+lb Blue Marlin. My wife and I were on the bridge with the first mate when I saw the big blue crash the short left rigging and begin dumping a 130!!! It was very exciting but after about 1/2hour, the hooks pulled. Oh well, that's fishing. At least I got some time in the chair.

Now that I am back, I took Dave and Greg out on Friday to do a little inshore fishing. The morning was slow, but as the wind laid down and the tide started to fall, the bite turned on. We ended up catching a couple of Flounder, over a dozen redfish and a half dozen or so Speckled Trout. A great way to celebrate being back in NC waters. Most fish were caught on a white Gulp shrimp on a 1/4oz jighead.

Sunday, I went back out by myself to do a little grieving and clear my head after having to put my 12-1/2yr old Golden Retriever down. I guess he was looking down on me as the weather was perfect and the backwaters were slick calm. I never did find any large schools of fish, but the bite was steady. The morning bite started out with Redfish eating a gold spoon. While working a grass bank, I saw a Redfish come half out of the water chasing a mullet minnow. I thought to myself, they sure are active this morning, and thought it would be a good time to try a topwater bait. It was a good call as I soon had five more fish in the boat in about 30 minutes. I second guessed myself by leaving those fish in an attempt to locate fish in a different place. That didn't pay off and I eventually ended back up in the same area. Once the tide started to fall, I switched over to a big purple worm and commenced to work the slot reds again. I ended up with over a dozen reds for the day before packing it in and heading for the hill. I love late fall Redfish fishing!!!
Attached Images
    
]]> Capt. Brent http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/wedding-over-back-catching-fish-366969.html Parasites in Marine Fishes http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/parasites-marine-fishes-360251.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:57:27 GMT Parasites in Marine Fishes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All living organisms, including fish, can have parasites. Parasites are a natural occurrence, not contamination. They are as common in fish as insects are in fruits and vegetables.... Parasites in Marine Fishes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All living organisms, including fish, can have parasites. Parasites are a natural occurrence, not contamination. They are as common in fish as insects are in fruits and vegetables. Parasites do not present a health concern in thoroughly cooked fish.
Parasites become a concern when consumers eat raw or lightly preserved fish such as sashimi, sushi, ceviche, and gravlax. When preparing these products, use commercially frozen fish. Alternatively, freeze the fish to an internal temperature of -4°F for at least 7 days to kill any parasites that may be present. Home freezers may not be cold enough to kill the parasites.

The health risk from parasites is far less than the risk from "unseen" illness causing bacteria which are present on almost all foods. Here are some commonly asked questions about fish parasites.


What are the worms that I sometimes see in fish I catch or buy?
Roundworms called nematodes are the most common parasite found in marine fishes. Some people call these nematodes herring worms or cod worms. Actually, several different species exist and it is hard to distinguish between them. All are in the family Anisakidae and are anisakid nematodes.
Freshwater fish like trout and fish that spend part of their life in freshwater such as salmon may carry Diphyllobothrium tapeworm larvae. These small, whitish, and somewhat flabby worms are common in salmon from some areas of Alaska.


How do fish get parasites?
The life cycle of an anisakid nematode begins when seals or sea lions eat infected fish (Figure 1). The larval nematodes grow to maturity, and the marine mammal excretes the nematode eggs into the sea where they hatch. Shrimp-like animals eat the larvae, and fish eat the shrimp-like animals. The larvae then develop into the form we see in fish.
The life cycle for a tapeworm is similar. Mammals or birds eat infected fish. The eggs hatch in freshwater. Crustaceans eat the eggs, freshwater and anadromous fish eat the crustaceans, and we eat the fish.




Will parasites hurt me if I accidentally eat one?
Nematodes rarely cause health problems because they are uncommon in fish fillets and normal cooking easily destroys them. In most cases, swallowing a live nematode is harmless. The nematode passes through the intestine without causing problems.
In rare cases, swallowing a live nematode larva can cause severe gastric upset called anisakiasis. This happens when the nematode attaches to or penetrates the intestinal lining. Nematodes do not find humans to be suitable hosts and will not live longer than 7-10 days in human digestive tracts.

Swallowing live tapeworm larvae can cause a tapeworm infestation. The tapeworms may live in the human intestinal tract for several years. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss and anemia. Doctors successfully treat tapeworm infections with medicines.


How long should I cook fish to kill parasites?
Cooking fish to an internal temperature of 140°F will kill all fish nematodes and tapeworms. Normal cooking procedures generally exceed this temperature.

How about smoking, pickling, and salting fish?
Heating hot-smoked fish to an internal temperature of at least 140°F will kill all fish nematodes and tapeworms. Normal hot-smoking procedures generally exceed this temperature.
Dry-salting fish, or curing them in a saturated salt brine, for 5-7 days before pickling will kill nematodes and tapeworms. Pickling without salt curing may not destroy some nematodes.


Are raw and lightly marinated recipes safe?
Eating raw fish, just like eating raw meat or poultry, is riskier than eating cooked products. To minimize the risk, avoid eating raw or lightly marinated seafood unless the fish is free of parasites, or has been properly frozen.
It is a common practice to use frozen fish in countries where raw fish dishes are traditional. Japan's National Health Institute recommends freezing fish to -4°F for several hours when preparing raw fish, or avoiding fish that are susceptible to parasites.

Canada's Health Protection Branch recommends using only commercially frozen fish in raw fish dishes because home freezers will not kill the parasites. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends using fish frozen commercially for 7 days at -10°F or 15 hours at -31°F for raw fish dishes.


Why don't processors remove parasites from fish?
Good handling practices on-board fishing vessels and in processing plants minimize nematode infestation. Many seafood processors inspect seafood fillets of species likely to contain parasites. This process called candling involves examining fish fillets over lights. Candling detects surface parasites. Unfortunately, they cannot always see parasites embedded deep in thick fillets or in dark tissue.

What can consumers do if they find a worm in fish?
If a parasite is present in a fish, you have several options:

•Remove the parasite, examine the fish for others and cook the fish. Thorough cooking kills all parasites
•Notify the store where you bought the fish so that the store can carefully inspect remaining fish.
•Depending on the return policy of the particular store, you may wish to return or exchange the unused portion.
The authors are Robert J. Price, Ph.D., Seafood Technology Specialist, and Pamela D. Tom, Staff Research Associate, Department of Food Science & Technology, University of California, Davis, California 95616-8598
This leaflet is based in part on "Parasites in marine fishes, questions and answers for seafood retailers," Publication SG 79/Reprinted October 1985, Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, by Kenneth S. Hilderbrand, Robert J. Price, and Robert E. Olson.

UCSGEP 90-7 August 1990

This work is sponsored in part by NOAA, National Sea Grant College Program, Department of Commerce, under grant number NA89AA-D-SG138, project number A/EA-1, through the California Sea Grant College Program, and in part by the California State Resources Agency. The U.S. Government may reproduce and distribute reprints for governmental purposes. ]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/parasites-marine-fishes-360251.html Red Drum http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/red-drum-359957.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:38:24 GMT Red drum From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Red Drum Red Drum - NC September 11, 2009 Conservation status Vulnerable Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Red drum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Red Drum

Red Drum - NC September 11, 2009
Conservation status
Vulnerable
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Sciaenidae

Genus: Sciaenops
Gill, 1863
Species: S. ocellatus

Binomial name
Sciaenops ocellatus
(Linnaeus, 1766)

The Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Channel Bass, Redfish, Spottail Bass or simply Reds, is a game fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Northern Mexico.[1] It is the only species in the genus Sciaenops. The red drum is a cousin to the Black Drum (Pogonias cromis), and the two species are often found in close proximity to each other, they can interbreed and form a robust hybrid, and younger fish are often indistinguishable in flavor.[2]




Contents [hide]
1 Characteristics
2 Life Cycle
3 Consumption
4 Relationship to humans
5 Management
6 Angling
7 Notes
8 References

Characteristics
Red Drum usually occur along coastal waters. Three year-old red drum typically weigh six to eight pounds. The largest one on record weighed just over 94 pounds. When they are large they are called Bull reds, although most people do not find the large ones good to eat.

Mature Red Drum spawn in near shorelines. Juvenile red drum typically inhabit bays and coastal marshes until they reach maturity between 3 and 6 years of age. They will readily accept any bait but prefer Menhaden, Shrimp, Mud Minnows and crabs. Red Drum are relatives of the Black Drum and both make a croaking sound when in trouble.

The most distinguishing mark on the red drum is one large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. Having multiple spots is not uncommon for this fish but having no spots is extremely rare. Scientists believe that the black spot near their tail helps fool predators into attacking the red drum's tail instead of their head, allowing the red drum to escape.[3]

Life Cycle
Spawning season is mid-August to mid-October. The Red Drum's eggs incubate for 24 hours. A female can lay up to two million eggs a season. The drum live to be 60 years old unless caught.

Consumption
Redfish was named as giving a good result with court-bouillon in a cookbook published in New Orleans in 1901.[4]

In the early 1980s, the chef Paul Prudhomme made his dish of Cajun-style blackened redfish popular. When catches of redfish declined in the 1980s many believed that it was being commercially over-fished because of its recent popularity. However, redfish numbers started declining in the late 1970s, possibly because of over-fishing of young redfish in shallow coastal waters by recreational fishermen. From 1980 through 1988, commercial fishermen took an average of 28% of the redfish while sport fishermen harvested 72 percent. Catch limits and size restrictions have increased the average weight of redfish caught in Louisiana coastal waters.[5] Restrictions on both sport and commercial fishermen allowed the species to rebuild. While redfish may no longer be commercially harvested in most states, they are readily caught and still enjoyed as table fare by many. In addition, farm raised redfish are still available as a commercial product [6][opinion needs balancing]

On March 1, 2009 redfish was the "secret ingredient" on the television program Iron Chef America, with competitors Mourad Lahlou and Cat Cora both preparing several dishes from the fish.

Red drum have a moderate flavor and are not oily. Big drum can be challenging to clean; removing the large scales is a challenge. Many fishers prefer to fillet with an electric knife, first removing the fillet from along the backbone, and then using the electric knife to cut the fillet from the skin and scales. Fish over 15 lbs can become tough and have a consistency comparable with chicken, rather than the flakey texture of many species of fish. Younger fish are often indistinguishable in flavor from black drum.[7]

Relationship to humans
The North Carolina General Assembly of 1971 designated the Red Drum as the official State Salt Water Fish. (Session Laws, 1971, c. 274; G.S. 145-6).[8]

President of the United States George W. Bush in an Executive Order on October 20, 2007 designated the Red Drum as a protected game fish. This prohibits sale of Red Drum caught in Federal waters and encourages states to consider designating Red Drum as a protected game fish within state waters.[9]

Management
Red drum is mainly harvested through recreational fishing, and limits apply where they are commercially fished. Management is regulated by multiple organizations, but has proved successful due to increasing populations of the species in recent years. However, some of the growth may be by chance due to a lack of significant information on some population areas of red drum.

Angling
Red drum are often found over sand and sandy mud bottoms in coastal waters and estuaries. They feed mainly on crustaceans, mollusks and fishes.[10] Since they are bottom feeders, they are commonly caught with bait either on the bottom or suspended within a couple feet of the bottom. Shrimp is a typical bait that works well; squid can also be used and is less subject to bait stealing by hardhead catfish and Atlantic croakers which often frequent the same waters. There are times when the older,larger fish are more readily caught on a half or a quarter of a blue crab with the top shell removed and cut or broken to fit on a 4/0 to 9/0 hook. Baitfish such as pinfish can also be effective,along with a variety of other techniques.

A big adult drum grabs the bait, takes off with gusto, and can put up quite a fight. An unsecured rod can easily be pulled into the water. Landing these big fish on light tackle can be challenging, and since drum are primarily scent-based feeders, there is little disadvantage in using heavier line and tackle,especially in stained or deeper water. A 40-lb braided line with a comparable weight flurocarbon leader is a good compromise between castability and strength. However, big drum are frequently caught with everything from 8-lb monofiliment to 100-lb braided lines with heavy steel leaders.

An effective strategy for fishing from a boat is to select a spot with a sandy bottom or oyster bed where food is plentiful at a time of day with some tidal movement. Pier or bank fishing should target jetties, structure, or a boat channel near a rapid increase in depth and some tidal movement. Because bigger drum can make a long, strong run right after taking the bait, preventing broken line often requires a relatively light drag setting early in the fight.

Notes
1.^ Sciaenops ocellatus, Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009.FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (07/2009). http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Spec...ary.php?id=425
2.^ A Comparison of Black Drum, Red Drum, and their Hybrid in Saltwater Pond Culture Anne Henderson-Arzapalo, Robert L. Colura, Anthony F. Maciorowski, Journal of the World Aquaculture Society Volume 25 Issue 2, Pages 289 - 296
3.^ Smithsonian Marine Station http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Sciaenops_ocellatus.htm
4.^ Anonymous. (1901). "The Original Picayune Creole Cook Book." New Orleans: Times-Picayune Publishing Corporation. (reprinted 1906, 1916, 1922, 1928, 1936, 1938, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1954, 1966, 1971.)
5.^ Understanding Redfish Biology - accessed August 6, 2009
6.^ Fritcheey, Robert (1994). Wetland Riders. Golden Meadow, Louisiana: New Moon Press.
7.^ A Comparison of Black Drum, Red Drum, and their Hybrid in Saltwater Pond Culture Anne Henderson-Arzapalo, Robert L. Colura, Anthony F. Maciorowski, Journal of the World Aquaculture Society Volume 25 Issue 2, Pages 289 - 296
8.^ Official State Symbols of North Carolina
9.^ "Office of the Press Secretary" (October 20, 2007"). "["http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071020-4.html" "Executive Order: Protection of Striped Bass and Red Drum Fish Populations"]". Press release. "http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071020-4.html". Retrieved "October 21, 2007".
10.^ Sciaenops ocellatus, Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009.FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (07/2009). http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Spec...ary.php?id=425
[edit] References ]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/red-drum-359957.html Diadromous Fish Research @ SC MRRI http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/diadromous-fish-research-sc-mrri-359551.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:59:03 GMT Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, American shad, hickory shad, and American eels all once supported valuable fisheries in SC. Currently, though, shortnose sturgeon is listed as an Endangered Species, and similar listings have recently been proposed for Atlantic sturgeon and eels. ... Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, American shad, hickory shad, and American eels all once supported valuable fisheries in SC. Currently, though, shortnose sturgeon is listed as an Endangered Species, and similar listings have recently been proposed for Atlantic sturgeon and eels.


Biologists examine sturgeon in drift gill net.
Photo by A. Hazel, SCDNROur sturgeon research is generating valuable information on diet, which has been lacking in the South, and collecting samples for genetic comparison of fish from various rivers. In addition, we continue standardized sampling of both species in order to determine long-term abundance trends of young fish; ours is the only such sampling program in the South. Recent collections of baby fish of both species in the Edisto River confirms there was successful spawning this year.


American Shad (Alosa sapidissima)
Photo by B. Post, SCDNRShad research includes both fishery-dependant (getting data from recreational and commercial fishermen) and fishery-independant (standardized scientific collections) sampling. Using this approach we monitor abundance, determine age distribution, collect genetic samples, and collect information on how angling success may vary with water level and flow rate. Our results will be used in a 5-year stock assessment conducted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.


American Eel (Anquilla rostrata)Research on the American eel consists of standardized sampling of elvers (baby eels) abundance. Eel sampling results from 2005 indicate that elvers were very abundant, even more so than in previous years. ]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/diadromous-fish-research-sc-mrri-359551.html Fisheries Research at MRRI of SC http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/fisheries-research-mrri-sc-359547.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:39:45 GMT Coastal Shark Studies Coastal shark studies are conducted in the estuaries and nearshore coastal waters from Port Royal Sound to Bulls Bay and are funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service (Highly Migratory Species Group) and the State Recreational Fishing License Program. The... Coastal Shark Studies
Coastal shark studies are conducted in the estuaries and nearshore coastal waters from Port Royal Sound to Bulls Bay and are funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service (Highly Migratory Species Group) and the State Recreational Fishing License Program.

The COASTSPAN project (Cooperative Atlantic States Shark Pupping and Nursery Habitat Survey) was started in 1998 to fulfill the need for data on how our estuaries are utilized by sharks. The program is funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service and data generated by this project is used for a multitude of studies as well as being utilized for stock assessment. Sharks are caught using a variety of methods; in the estuaries sharks are captured using hand deployed bottom longlines and gill nets in the bays, sounds and nearshore areas sharks are tagged using a hydraulic deployed bottom longline. The sharks are brought on board, measured for fork and total length, tagged and released.


The primary users of South Carolina's estuaries are the Atlantic sharpnose, the sandbar, the bonnethead, the blacktip, the finetooth, and the scalloped hammerhead. The spinner, the bull and the blacknose shark are also observed to a lesser degree. These sharks usually arrive in the estuaries in the spring when the water temperatures reaches 19-20° C and start moving offshore in the fall when temperatures drop below 26° C. Under the current regulation there are only two sharks that recreational anglers can keep that they are likely to encounter under normal fishing circumstances:

•Atlantic sharpnose shark
•Bonnethead shark.
All of the other species listed above must have a minimum fork length of 54 inches. Fork length is measured from the tip of the shark's nose to the fork in the caudal fin (tail). A shark with a 54" fork length would have an approximate total length of 5 1/2 to 6 feet.

Other sharks that may be encountered inshore that are not primary users of the estuary are the Nurse and Lemon Sharks. Sharks that may be encountered nearshore are all of the above species as well as the tiger, sand tiger, and dusky Sharks and in the winter months the smooth and spiny dogfish. In addition to long-term data collection and population monitoring, a study is being conducted on site fidelity in bonnethead sharks utilizing Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and external tags. We hope to learn more about bonnethead's utilization of our estuaries as well as migration and eternal tag loss. ]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/fisheries-research-mrri-sc-359547.html Jekyl island reports http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/jekyl-island-reports-359546.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:32:39 GMT Fishing Report: JEKYLL & ST.SIMONS ISLANDS FISHING REPORT
By Captain Vernon Reynolds

Close to nine foot tides caused by the past New Moon and high Northeast winds slowed fishing the past several days. High tides cause the current to run faster than normal and the water to muddy up. Not good fishing conditions.

The tides nipped back Tuesday November 10 and the Sea Trout and Redfish turned on. Good numbers have been taken the past couple of days although about half of them were short. That’s a good thing; these throw back fish will be next year’s keeper fish. Trout will be found around oyster bars, mud bars and other structure. Oyster bars, docks and other such structure hold bait fish and shrimp. There are three things that dictate fish movement; food availability, water temperature and salinity. Find these three things in the right amount and there usually will be Trout and redfish there this time of the year. During the winter months fish will often be found on mud bars during the middle part of the day. The black mud warms from the sun light and in turn warms the water on top of the bars. This brings baitfish and shrimp to the bars and then the Trout and Reds. Salinity is mostly controlled by the amount of rain fall we get up river. Most local rain fall is taken out to sea with the first couple of tide changes. Rivers swollen with fresh water from rains upriver will move the acceptable salinity level and the fish miles down river; just as low upriver rain fall will move the acceptable salinity level miles upriver.

Sea Trout almost always demand live bait while Reds will take live or dead equally well. Shrimp is the best bait of choice for both. Live shrimp can be purchased from local bait shops or taken with a cast net in area creeks. Mud minnows, poggie and finger mullet are great baits. Larger Trout eat them for the fish oil which helps toughen the egg shell.

Expect the fishing to be good for Trout, Reds, Flounder, Whiting Sheepshead and Black Sea Bass.

Do yourself a favor and take a kid fishing.

Coastal Expeditions Charter Fishing & Dolphin Tours is owned and operated by Captains Eric Moody and Vernon Reynolds. Call (912) 265-0392 or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com to book a trip or for further information. ]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/jekyl-island-reports-359546.html <![CDATA[North Carolina's Oyster Sanctuary Program]]> http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/north-carolinas-oyster-sanctuary-program-355191.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:54:11 GMT North Carolina's Oyster Sanctuary Program
Sanctuaries are created by building reefs on previously viable oyster producing sites. Reefs are constructed with a combination of natural oyster shell and/or Class B rip-rap marl. These reefs attract native oyster larvae, as well as clams, juvenile finfish, crabs and marine organisms, which in turn attract larger fish, enhancing hook-and-line fishing. Harvest of oysters and the use of bottom disturbing gear are prohibited in the sanctuaries, allowing a brood stock of oysters to develop.



Attachment 122191
Each oyster produces millions of eggs annually that are carried by currents and tides to surrounding areas. By developing and protecting a brood stock, the availability of robust native oysters in adjacent waters increases.

Because bottom disturbing gear is prohibited on sanctuaries, the Division of Marine Fisheries seeks input on the best area to locate a site to minimize interactions with trawls, while maximizing the benefits of the site to oystermen and recreational fishermen.

Currently, there are nine existing oyster sanctuaries located in estuarine waters from Dare to Carteret counties, and two in the planning stages.
Attached Images
 
]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/north-carolinas-oyster-sanctuary-program-355191.html To Manage a Fishery, You Must Know How the Fish Die http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/manage-fishery-you-must-know-how-fish-die-355190.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:51:44 GMT To Manage a Fishery, You Must Know How the Fish Die Contact: Jeffrey Buckel, 252/222-6341, jeffrey_buckel@ncsu.edu Joseph Hightower, 919/515-8836, joe_hightower@ncsu.edu Matt Shipman, News Services, 919/515-6386, matt_shipman@ncsu.edu Posted Monday, August 10, 2009, as a courtesy to North... To Manage a Fishery, You Must Know How the Fish Die

Contact:
Jeffrey Buckel, 252/222-6341, jeffrey_buckel@ncsu.edu
Joseph Hightower, 919/515-8836, joe_hightower@ncsu.edu
Matt Shipman, News Services, 919/515-6386, matt_shipman@ncsu.edu

Posted Monday, August 10, 2009, as a courtesy to North Carolina State University

Recreational anglers and commercial fishermen understand you need good fishery management to make sure there will be healthy populations of fish for generations to come. And making good management decisions rests in large part on understanding the mortality of fish species — how many fish die each year as a result of natural causes and recreational and commercial fishing. Now researchers at North Carolina State University have utilized a new research method that can give fishery managers a better idea of how fish are dying, so they can make informed decisions on how to ensure a healthy fish population.

Fisheries scientists from NC State have, for the first time, implemented a research strategy that uses both “conventional” tags and ultrasonic telemetry tags (transmitters) to estimate mortality rates. The approach was used in a study on mortality rates of “sub-adult” red drum, which are red drum that are close to adult in size but have not yet begun to reproduce. However, the research methods pioneered in this study could be applied to many other species, including popular fish such as striped bass. Red drum are popular among recreational anglers in many parts of the country, and are also important to commercial fishermen in North Carolina.

The conventional tags offer rewards to recreational and commercial fishermen who catch the tagged fish, creating an incentive for them to contact researchers. This approach lets researchers know how many of the tagged fish have been caught and how many of the fish were subsequently released or harvested, explains Dr. Jeff Buckel, an associate professor of biology at NC State and co-author of the study. This approach provides particularly good data on mortality resulting from commercial and recreational fishing, Buckel says.

The telemetry tags transmit uniquely coded sounds to receivers, allowing researchers to track fish movement in a given area. In this instance, the researchers were using both stationary receivers and mobile hydrophones to track tagged fish in the Neuse River estuary in eastern North Carolina, Buckel says. Telemetry tags provide excellent data on natural mortality, because the tags stop moving once the fish has died. These tags can also detect that a fish has been caught by commercial or recreational fishermen, because the tag will disappear from the study area without swimming past any of the receivers.

“The methodology we used in this study combined good natural mortality data from the telemetry tags with good recreational and commercial fishing mortality data from the conventional tags to give us a more precise estimate of overall mortality for sub-adult red drum,” Buckel says. “This is important because, if you have a good understanding of mortality rates, you can make informed decisions about how to manage a fishery in order to ensure its long-term health.” For example, the information generated by this study contributed to state and regional assessments of the red drum population.

“This is the first time this approach, using both kinds of tags, has been used in the field,” Buckel says, “and it could have significant applications for other species, such as striped bass.” One limitation is that the telemetry tags are only useful in relatively confined areas, such as lakes, estuaries or reservoirs — where researchers can place listening devices near exits to determine if a fish has left the waterbody on its own, rather than being caught by a fisherman.

The researchers, led by then-NC State Ph.D. student Nathan Bacheler, focused on sub-adult red drum because North Carolina only allows recreational and commercial fishermen to keep drum that are between 18 inches and 27 inches long. These fish are generally not old enough to reproduce. So researchers wanted to determine whether natural mortality and fishing mortality were limiting the long-term viability of the fishery. Good news fish fans: “Natural mortality was much lower than we previously assumed,” Bacheler says, “and the fishing mortality was similar to previous estimates.”

The research, “A combined telemetry — tag return approach to estimate fishing and natural mortality rates of an estuarine fish,” was funded by North Carolina Sea Grant and is published in the August issue of the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. The study was co-authored by Bacheler, Buckel, NC State biology professors Dr. Joseph Hightower and Dr. Kenneth Pollock, and Lee Paramore of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.

-shipman-

Note to editors: The study abstract follows.

“A combined telemetry — tag return approach to estimate fishing and natural mortality rates of an estuarine fish”

Authors: Nathan M. Bacheler, Jeffrey A. Buckel, Joseph E. Hightower, Kenneth H. Pollock, North Carolina State University; Lee M. Paramore, North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

Published: Online August 2009, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 66:1230-1244

Abstract: A joint analysis of tag return and telemetry data should improve estimates of mortality rates for exploited fishes; however, the combined approach has thus far only been tested in terrestrial systems. We tagged subadult red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) with conventional tags and ultrasonic transmitters over 3 years in coastal North Carolina, USA, to test the efficacy of the combined telemetry — tag return approach. There was a strong seasonal pattern to monthly fishing mortality rate (F) estimates from both conventional and telemetry tags; highest F values occurred in fall months and lowest levels occurred during winter. Although monthly F values were similar in pattern and magnitude between conventional tagging and telemetry, information on F in the combined model came primarily from conventional tags. The estimated natural mortality rate (M) in the combined model was low (estimated annual rate ± standard error: 0.04 ± 0.04) and was based primarily upon the telemetry approach. Using high-reward tagging, we estimated significantly different tag reporting rates for state agency and university tagging programs. The combined telemetry — tag return approach can be an effective approach for estimating F and M as long as several key assumptions of the model are met.



"This is the first known study that has used this approach in the field," says Lee Paramore, a DMF staff lead on the Red Drum Fishery Management Plan. "This type of application of combining telemetry and traditional tagging approaches could provide a direct estimate of fishing mortality and natural mortality for future stock assessments for red drum."


"Mortality is an important component in stock assessment and a more accurate measurement of mortality results in a more accurate stock assessment," says Steve Rebach, North Carolina Sea Grant's associate director. "Accurate stock assessments allow managers to construct fishery management plans that benefit both the stock and the fishing community."


##

North Carolina Sea Grant: Your link to research and resources for a healthier coast



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Home | About NCSG | News | Research ]]> Bud Man http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/manage-fishery-you-must-know-how-fish-die-355190.html OIFC update http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/oifc-update-354444.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:00:43 GMT Good luck to all the teams heading to Biloxi, MS to fish the annual SKA National Championship tournament. The King Mackerel fishery in the Northern Gulf is an incredible fishery, and Mother Nature willing, great fishing and great weather are on the agenda. If you are heading that way,... Good luck to all the teams heading to Biloxi, MS to fish the annual SKA National Championship tournament. The King Mackerel fishery in the Northern Gulf is an incredible fishery, and Mother Nature willing, great fishing and great weather are on the agenda. If you are heading that way, particularly if you've never been before, there are differences in fishing that area that you will need to be prepared for.
#1- You will be jigging all your bait. You will need at least 20, #14 Sabiki rigs with 2oz weights. You will also want 20, 1/2-3/4 oz Diamond style jigs and Gotcha plugs as well. You will use the jigs and plugs to catch larger baits such as Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel and Blue Runners, which are important. On that note, carry at least 2 spinning outfits with 20# line and fairly stiff rods. Bait is fun to catch, but if you get too sporty, you'll spend all your time catching bait.
#2- Beef up your hook size to #2 or #1 Trebles and 4/0-5/0 single nose hooks will also come in handy. Use wire no less than 60#. Standard 20# main line will work fine, but some opt to increase line to 25# or 30#. Regardless, carry plenty of 30# fluorocarbon as you will use it ahead of your King rigs to protect from tail cuts and ahead of jigs to protect from toothy baitfish.
#3- Get some Ribbonfish skirts, which feature extra long skirt material, which goes well with the extra large baits you'll be using. Also, OIFC Yee-Haw Fish Calls and Turbo Rattlers seem to work particularly well.
Advice- Bait can be difficult to get. Carry a good bait pen and be sure that as part of your prefishing, you bring back bait to be ready for the morning of the first day. In particular, pen up Bluefish and large Blue Runners, as they can be difficult to find. Remember, big bait = big fish. No bait is too big, so don't be shy. Many people "rig hop"- move from oil rig to oil rig looking for fish, and some stick on a productive rig and wait for a big fish to feed. Both techniques have worked. Lastly, try to have fun and keep things in perspective. Mother Nature can make or break the event and that is always the wild card. If its sloppy, be sure you learn how to run behind the Chandeluer Islands as they will offer refuge from the seas for much of the run offshore. My family and I will be fishing aboard the OIFC.com Yellowfin and we'll be staying at the Isle of Capri. If we can offer any assistance or guidance, look us up. We hope to see you there, and of course, if you need any tackle items in prepartion for the tournament, the Ocean Isle Fishing Center can help. Vist our store, call 910-575-3474 or shop on-line at www.OIFC.com .

OIFC.com King Mackerel Tournament update
Last weekend fishermen fishing the 2009 OIFC.com King Mackerel Tournament were given excellent weather and fishing conditions. Boats spread out from Morehead City to Cape Hatteras looking for the classic late Fall bite of giant Kings that the area is known for. Fortunately, it all worked just right as many boats landed fish over 50 pounds and a razor tight competition unfolded. The tournament is still ongoing as the format allows for fishing 2 out of 9 possible days. The last day to enter is today and the last day to fish is Sunday. CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION. Below are current standings and daily results:

Saturday 11/7/09: Radford Brown/ Bluechips-13.50
Sunday 11/8/09 : Darryl Taylor/ Reel Lineman-19.75, Randy Griffin/ Wild Ride-15.75, Greg Carroll/ Dig It- 32.85, Barrett McMullan/ Team OIFC- 46.95, Mike Williams/ Release- 43.05, Radford Brown/ Bluechips- 17.6; Lee Frick/ Hooyah-22.3
Monday 11/9/09 - Barrett McMullan/ Team OIFC-50.05, Lee Frick/ Hooyah-51.6, Mike Williams/ Release-53.9, Greg Carroll/ Dig It-40.55

Current Standings- 2 fish aggregate
Team OIFC - Two fish - 46.95/50.05 - 97.0
Release - Two fish - 43.05/53.90 - 96.95
HooYah - Two fish - 22.30/51.6 - 73.90
Dig It - Two fish - 32.85/40.55 - 73.4
Blue Chips - Two fish - 13.5/17.6 - 31.10
Reel Lineman - One fish - 19.75
Wild Ride - One fish - 15.75

Current Standings- big fish
Release - 53.90
HooYah - 51.6
Team OIFC- 50.05

As you can see, the fishing was nothing short of great. The format allowing fishing 2 out of 9 days gives plenty of latitude to fish under good conditions, and for those who opted not to participate, hopefully this year's catches will spur you to get involved for next year's tournament. For pictures of all the great winning fish CLICK HERE . For a great recap of Team OIFC's fishing day, see the 11/10 fishing report- CLICK HERE .

Stay tuned to www.OIFC.com for updates on what is going on. The Kings are still biting strong in 70-90 feet of water and it won't be long before the Bluefin Tuna show up!

Ocean Isle Fishing Center
65 Causeway Drive-Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
(910) 575-FISH - www.oifc.com ]]> jackdaniels http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/oifc-update-354444.html Pirates Cove Big Game Tournament/new owners http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/pirates-cove-big-game-tournament-new-owners-351701.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:52:07 GMT The PCBGT has changed hands again. Harry and Kevin from Cabin Fever Productions have opted out of their lease and it has been purchased by the marina managers, Jim and Tammy Tobin along with PCYC Gen. Mngr. Kelly Zaytoon. Anyone familiar with this tournament in the past few years knows that... The PCBGT has changed hands again.

Harry and Kevin from Cabin Fever Productions have opted out of their lease and it has been purchased by the marina managers, Jim and Tammy Tobin along with PCYC Gen. Mngr. Kelly Zaytoon.

Anyone familiar with this tournament in the past few years knows that it has been through some changes.

I would look for it to go in a positive direction from here on out, as the owners have a vested interest in seeing it succeed as a top notch tournament.

Lets keep our fingers crossed. ]]> Capt.Troy Crane http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f192/pirates-cove-big-game-tournament-new-owners-351701.html