North Carolina To Consider Reorganization of its Fisheries Agencies

North Carolina officials are looking for ideas from the public on how three different agencies can cooperatively provide more efficient, productive and enjoyable uses of the state's fisheries resources.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will accept comments on this subject at its August meeting in Raleigh on behalf of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Legislation passed and signed into law this summer directs these agencies to study the current organization of the state’s fisheries management agencies and whether these agencies should be reorganized.

Currently, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries manages coastal fish species while the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission manages inland fish species.

The commission will take public comment at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 and 9 a.m. Aug. 23 at the Brownstone Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, 1707 Hillsborough St., Raleigh.

The chairman will allow each commenter to speak for five minutes during the Aug. 22 session and three minutes during the Aug. 23 session. Due to time constraints, those making comments will be asked to speak only once, either at the Aug. 22 or Aug. 23 sessions. Individuals will not be allowed to speak during both public comment periods.

The Wildlife Resources Commission will also receive public comment on these issues during its Aug. 29 committee meetings at the Wildlife Resources Commission Headquarters Conference Room, 1751 Varsity Drive, N.C. State University Centennial Campus, Raleigh.

Additionally, the agencies will hold two joint meetings in coastal areas for the sole purpose of taking comments on this issue.

The meetings are scheduled for:

6 p.m., Sept. 5
Craven County Cooperative Extension Office
300 Industrial Drive, New Bern

6 p.m., Sept 6
Dare County Administration Building
Commissioners Meeting Room
954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo

The public may comment in writing online at http://www.ncsenatebill821.org/default.htm or by mail to S821 Comments, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1701. Deadline for receipt of written comments is Sept. 7.

All comments offered on this issue will be presented for joint consideration by all three agencies.

source: N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission

Ocean City Maryland Saltwater Fishing

Ocean City is one of Maryland's top saltwater fishing spots. Its popularity as a vacation resort and fishing destination is due to its unique location. Ocean City has beaches, fishing piers, bridges, coastal bays, Atlantic Ocean access, fishing charters, and other resources for fishermen.

This incredible diversity of saltwater fishing allows anglers of all ages, skill levels and budgets to participate. Much of the fishing action can be combined with family vacations or weekend getaways.

For example, the Route 50 bridge, Ocean City Jetty, Oceanic Fishing Pier, OC Fishing Pier are all located within a few blocks of the beach. Fishermen can access these areas while family members enjoy the nearby boardwalk, beaches, amusements, or other attractions.

Northside Park is located where 125th Street meets Assawoman Bay, and features a fishing pier, concessions, playgrounds, a picnic area, walking paths, playing fields and a sports center. Northside Park is a designated free fishing area.

The Chicago Avenue Boardwalk, also known as the "2nd Street Bulkhead" is popular fishing spot. Located between 2nd and 4th streets, the park has metered parking, wheelchair access, and a fish cleaning station. The Chicago Avenue Boardwalk is a designated free fishing area.

Surf fishing is also popular along the less crowded stretches of Ocean City and nearby Assateague Island. Surf fishing is usually best in the fall, although good catches may last into December.

A small fishing and crabbing pier is located beside the Verrazano Bridge on Maryland Route 611, near Assateague State Park.

Ocean City has a number of headboats and fishing guides that offer inshore fishing. Most of the inshore boats fish for flounder, croaker, and bluefish. For anglers that want to go deeper, there are offshore fishing trips.

Ocean City is the home port for hundreds of charter boats that offer deep sea fishing trips. Most deep sea fishing trips leave around sunrise and fish until late in the day. Some captains even offer overnight fishing trips that last for 24 hours or more.