Central District NCDMF Fishing Report



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Central District Pamlico, Craven, Carteret, & Onslow Counties
Contact: Andrea Olsen Winter Overview (weekly reports return Easter, 2010)
For the 2009 fishing year, all owners/operators of vessels recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling permit. This permit has replaced the Atlantic tunas Angling category permit. In North Carolina, additional HMS harvest reporting requirements are also in place.

Report a tagged fish

Please Note: Anglers sometimes confuse small king mackerel with Spanish mackerel. King mackerel and spanish mackerel have different size and catch limits. Make SURE you properly identify the mackerel you are catching. (Tips here)

A recreational Recreational Fishing License went into effect Jan. 1, 2007 for all of the state's coastal and ocean waters.

Spotted Seatrout - new size limits went into effect October 5, 2009 - See Rec. Guide
Snapper/Grouper - new rules effective September 18, 2009 - See Rec. Guide

Ocean: There will be plenty of excellent fishing opportunities on-board charter boats during the winter. The central district has become home to North Carolina’s bluefin tuna fishery. Multiple hook-ups and multiple fish days are the norm rather than the exception. Another species to make the scene in the Central District during the past couple of years is striped bass. Stripers will be taken from Cape Lookout shoals and other areas along the beach throughout the winter. Other offshore species such as king mackerel, yellowfin tuna and wahoo will also be available to gulf stream anglers. Bottomfishing for a variety of reef fish species is also excellent during the winter months. There are several headboats that operate throughout the year in the Central District. Some of the best snapper and grouper catches will be are a lot of fun and really provide a quality fishing experience. Extended fishing trips (over-night) are also offered. Bluefin tuna trips have also been offered in the past. Check with your favorite fishing vessel.

Private boat anglers will enjoy many of the same opportunities as those mentioned for charterboat anglers. Near-hore bluefin tuna fishing will be excellent. Those fishing offshore will have access to excellent catches of king mackerel.

The vermilion snapper closed season began Nov. 1, and it will not reopen until April 1, 2010 (See link above for more information)

Inlets/Sounds/Bays: Newly established striper fishing on the shoals of Cape Lookout will also be a favorite. Inside, the creeks of White Oak, Neuse, Bay, Pamlico and Pungo River will offer occasional excellent speckled trout fishing. Before going however, do a little research, this is a very specialized fishery.

Piers/Shore: Most piers are closed for the season. Some may allow access but catches will be limited. Shore fishing activity will be limited.

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