OBXFishingFool Loc: Lincolnton NC

NC posted the dates for the 2022 flounder season on June 7th of last year. The spring season for 2023 was cancelled after it was revealed that the commercial flounder haul was less than desirable. Their numbers were down. As a result the NC Recreational Saltwater Angler will possibly be left dangling their rods when it comes to their right to possess this resource so highly valued by thousands of NC Recreational Saltwater Anglers. It appears we may possibly be in for a no go on the fall flounder season this year. If this comes to fruition it will be another step towards what I think will finally be made known to all NC Recreational Saltwater Fishermen. The truth of the matter, IMO, is the people who are making these decisions on our behalf, lol. believe that the NC Flounder is presently "too valuable of a commodity" to allow a NC person, while surf fishing a NC beach, to take even one NC flounder home for a fresh fish dinner. This is obviously the thought processes and the end goal by the powers that be going forward, regardless of if there is to be a fall flounder season this year or not. It's only a matter of time before it will be made "illegal" lol, for a NC Recreational Fisherman to possess even one NC Flounder in the state of NC, regardless of the time of year. Catch and Release. No questions asked. Period. This fish is too valuable for recreational consumption. Release the flounder so the Commercial nets, Giggers, and Inshore Trawlers can catch it, sale it, then ship it to the Northeastern US for out of state consumption by someone in NJ. Please do not ever let this happen. What a travesty this scenario would be. Don't break this old man's heart.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

All so very true. For sure whoever make the rules the Commercial Fishermen have them in their pockets deeply.

Bigmark Loc: Lower Alabama

Totally does not make sense to punish the recreational fishermen vs the commercial. In Bama this year Commercial Red Snapper harvest was down by half. So, the powers to be did the fair thing. They kept the recreational season the same, but reduced the recreational catch to match percentages with what the commecial boys caught. I believe the only reason it was down was the $^!**% weather we had and the commercial boys could'nt fish as much as last year. Alabama has the largest manmade atrificial reef system in the US, and it is loaded with all varieties of snappers and reef fishes. Not just Red Snapper. Good luck with your dilemma. Write your congressman.

Bibmark

ncduck Loc: North Carolina

Typical government response to almost everything…. swing the pendulum 180 degrees

RipperRio Loc: Annapolis MD

The NJ flounder season is very liberal so if you want flounder go north. I agree with everything you said. Someone is getting a payoff you can be certain and the commercial guys are “reeling in” the dough. Sad.

Jim Kay Loc: Franklin, Virginia

Thatis their way of saying "Up yours" to recreational fishermen who give the most financial support to the fishery.

Sandym Loc: Holly Ridge NC

I wonder if Virginia and South Carolina have the same mindset

ncduck Loc: North Carolina

This is straight from the SC DNR website…. SC typically has “looser” regulations than NC and surrounding states.

My buddy and I have delayed our trip a couple days, now we are looking to go this Tuesday to Charleston SC, the seas should be manageable by then, today they are getting hammered with 14’ waves… no thanks… anyway we are looking at hitting the Charleston 60 and venturing out to Y-73 and Comanche Reefs. One of my buddies friends may go with us, he guides part time and I will ask him what the latest regulations are. Tight Lines!

YankeeThom Loc: NC

But you can go to a fish market and get a 10 Inch one. Need too reduce the commercial quotas. Never will happen. We are the sufferers.

bluefishjim Loc: rocky Point, NC

Most of the fish sold here in NC end up over seas, then sold back to us in the frozen food isle.

Pappy54 Loc: Brunswick county NC

Let's restrict the commercial side.
I remember years ago when fishing on party boats in New York we would find schools of fluke one day,captains would share the locations with other recreational captains. The commercial boats would come in at night and wipe them out! Next year recreational fishing was 2 fish limit and 18" keeper and no restrictions to the commercial side