15A NCAC 03M .0202     striped bass SEASON, SIZE, AND HARVEST LIMIT: INTERNAL WATERS

(a)  It shall be unlawful to possess striped bass from the Coastal Fishing Waters of the Cape Fear River and its tributaries.

(b)  It shall be unlawful to possess striped bass from the Roanoke River Management Area, as designated in 15A NCAC 03R .0201, in a commercial fishing operation.

(c)  The Fisheries Director may, by proclamation, impose any of the following restrictions on the taking of striped bass in a commercial fishing operation or for recreational purposes in Internal Waters during the period from October 1 through April 30:

(1)           specify fishing days and times;

(2)           specify area;

(3)           specify means and methods;

(4)           specify size, but the minimum size specified shall not be less than 18 inches total length; and

(5)           specify quantity, except possession for recreational purposes shall not exceed:

(A)          more than three fish in any one day in the Albemarle Sound Management Area, as designated in 15A NCAC 03R .0201; and

(B)          more than two fish in any one day in the Joint and Coastal Fishing Waters of the Central Southern Management Area, as designated in 15A NCAC 03R .0201.

Fish that do not meet the minimum size limit specified by proclamation shall immediately be returned to the waters from which taken regardless of condition.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52;

Eff. January 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1996; November 1, 1991;

Temporary Amendment Eff. September 1, 1996;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1997;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 1999;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2013; July 1, 2008; August 1, 2000;

Readopted Eff. March 15, 2023.