Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr. from "Fisherman's Guide-Fishes of the Southeastern United States", Charles Manooch, author. Currently out of print.
unknown
none
Mullet tolerate a wide-range of habitats but prefer estuaries and Sounds. They are often found in large schools.
Spawning occurs in ocean waters in the fall.
11" up to 2'.
Mullet are fairly common and make themselves obvious by jumping out of the water, sometimes in unison. Though somewhat bony, the mullet is a popular food fish, especially smoked. They are usually netted as they prefer micro-crustaceans for their food.
(Sciaenops ocellata)
aka - Channel Bass
Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr. from "Fisherman's Guide-Fishes of the Southeastern United States", Charles Manooch, author. Currently out of print.
Stressed-Declining
Min. size 18" total length. None over 27" allowed. 1 fish per day.
Throughout the region but migrate seasonally.
Found in the surf in spring and fall, and commonly in Pamlico Sound in summer. Spawning occurs in fall around inlets and young inhabit estuaries.
30"- 32". Avg. 5 - 15 lbs. up to 50 lbs.
A favorite of surf fishermen in spring and fall. They are also caught trolling inlets.
(Pagonias cromis)
Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr. from "Fisherman's Guide-Fishes of the Southeastern United States", Charles Manooch, author. Currently out of print.
Not rated
Inshore waters, particularly around oyster beds.
Avg. 3 - 6 lbs. up to 150 lbs.
Not considered much of a game fish.
American and Hickory (pictured) Species
(Alosa sp.)
Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr. from "Fisherman's Guide-Fishes of the Southeastern United States", Charles Manooch, author. Currently out of print.
Unknown.
10 fish per day of combined species. 12" min. size on Hickory Shad. No size restriction on American Shad.
Mostly open ocean returning to fresh water to spawn.
Shad move from the ocean to main stream portions of rivers to spawn from March to mid-June.
American Shad males 12" - 17.5", females 15" - 19".
Hickory Shad males 11.5", females 12.5".
Caught by trolling or casting spoons or lures. Rarely taken on natural baits.
(Cynoscion nebulosus)
Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr. from "Fisherman's Guide-Fishes of the Southeastern United States", Charles Manooch, author. Currently out of print.
Viable
Min. size 12" total length. 10 fish per day.
Sound, inlets and surf. An estuarine dependent species. Juveniles prefer estuaries.
Around all year in our region, but peak catches are in the fall when they school. May and June are also good months.
7"-9". Avg. 1-3 lbs. up to 8 lb..
Good food and game fish. Both Sea Trout and its cousin the Weakfish have soft mouths which tear easily when hooked, necessitating a little finesse when catching them. These fish like to congregate in holes and deeper water along the beach or in sounds.
(Cynoscion regalis)
Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr. from "Fisherman's Guide-Fishes of the Southeastern United States", Charles Manooch, author. Currently out of print.
Stresses - Recovering
Min. size 12" total length.
Throughout, but estuarine dependent.
Migrate south and offshore during the winter, north and inshore during the spring and summer. Spawning occurs in estuaries in spring and summer and the young spend their first season there moving offshore near the coast to over winter and spawn after their first winter.
7"- 8", Avg. 1lb. up to 12 lbs.
Good food and game fish. Both Sea Trout and its cousin the Weakfish have soft mouths which tear easily when hooked, necessitating a little finesse when catching them.
(aka Rockfish, Stripers)
(Raccus saxatilus)
Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr. from "Fisherman's Guide-Fishes of the Southeastern United States", Charles Manooch, author. Currently out of print.
Viable
Min. size 18" total length coastal, joint and inland, Min. size 28" total length Atlantic ocean. Seasonal restrictions apply in Albemarle Sound, fishing only March-April and Nov.-Dec., and Roanoke River only March-April.
Striped Bass spend the majority of their life in salt water but migrate to fresh water to spawn. They can be found throughout the region.
Migrate to fresh water to spawn in late April through early June.
11" to 22", Avg. 5-10 lbs., up to 50 lbs.
Popular game and food fish caught from the surf or from boats.
