The North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) announced the extension of the 2021 harvest season for Striped Bass Recreational – Albemarle Sound Management Area Season through Proclamation FF 2-2022, dated 16December 2021.

This proclamation permits the harvest of striped bass taken only for recreational purposes in the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

The effective date for the new Proclamation is Saturday, January 1, 2022 at 12:01 A.M. in the Albemarle Sound Management Area. And the recreational spring fishing season will close when allowable landings are predicted to be reached or on April 30, 2022, whichever comes first.

During the spring season, striped bass maybe caught by hook and line or recreational commercial gear for recreational purposes all seven (7) days per week.

These fish must be at least eighteen (18) total inches and each angler may keep no more than one (1) fish in any one day.

Also, the Atlantic Ocean Striped Bass fishery remains open to all anglers at one (1) fish per day at greater than twenty-eight (28) inches and less than thirty-five (35) inches total inches.

Additionally, and effective, January 1, 2021, non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks are required when using natural bait for the recreational fishery regardless of the tackle and lure configuration.

For more information on these new ocean fishery regulations, please check with your local tackle shop or North Carolina Dept. of Marine Fisheries.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony