The rules for Flounder fishing by the Outer Banks recreational anglers are changing for 2016. The North Carolina Dept. Marine Fisheries has set a creel and bag limit for all species of flounder caught on both all North Carolina internal coastal waters or in the Atlantic Ocean.

The new rule goes into effect 12:01 AM on Friday, 01 January 2016,

The creel limit for any species of flounder has not changed and will remain the same as previous years.

The existing creel limit is fifteen (15) inches total length or greater. It is important that you measure all flounder and keep only those that meet the minimum total length limit.

To obtain total length of a fish, measure the fish from the tip of the mouth to the tip of the pinched tail.

The bag limit does change under the new rule. It reduces the number of flounder to six (6) fish per day per person or six (6) per person per trip if the trip occurs on more than one calendar day.

This bag limit also applies even when other type of gear including gigs are used. And the taking of Flounder using this gear must only be for recreational purposes.

The new rule also addresses the holders of the NC Recreational Commercial Gear License. When RCGL holders are taking flounder with a gill net, they must ensure stretched mesh length or the mesh openings are at least six (6) inch wide.

For more information on this proclamation, you may contact the local NCDMF office.

Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony