New bluefish release category added to N.C.
Saltwater Fishing Tournament
MOREHEAD
CITY – Anglers can soon be
recognized for releasing large bluefish.
The
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Saltwater Fishing Tournament, known
commonly as the Citation Program, will add a bluefish release category
beginning May 15. Anglers can receive a citation (certificate) for the
release of a bluefish that measures 34 inches or longer.
Currently,
citations are given only to anglers who catch and keep a bluefish that weighs
at least 15 pounds.
The
new release category brings the total number of release species in the
program to 20. The release category is meant to encourage anglers to practice
catch and release.
The
Saltwater Fishing Tournament recognizes exceptional catches of North Carolina’s
most popular sport fish.
The
tournament runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 each year and is open to any
angler, except those who captain or work on a for-hire vessel or those who
sell their fish.
To
qualify for a citation, the fish must be caught on hook and line, landed
without the use of electric or hydraulic equipment and meet the program size
requirements. Landed fish must be weighed at an official weigh station and
then recorded on an official application form. For released fish, the angler
or mate must touch the fish or the leader, measure the fish and release it,
then the angler and a witness must fill out and sign an application at an official
weigh station.
.
Click here for
more information on the N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament.
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1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699
Patricia Smith
Public Information Officer
Division of Marine Fisheries
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