🦀 What’s the status of North Carolina’s Blue Crab population? Independent scientists will review the draft Blue Crab stock assessment Nov. 3-5, and the public is welcome to observe and participate. Learn more and find links to watch online: bit.ly/4z7acLA

Talk about making your first one count! 🎣 Isaiah caught his first-ever Red Drum in Pamlico Sound in September — and it was a whopping 50 inches! 😮 He released this incredible fish to swim another day. Congratulations, Isaiah! 👏 #weighinwednesday

Daniel released this impressive 44-inch Red Drum caught in the Neuse River in September. 🎣 Red Drum are North Carolina’s official state saltwater fish — and those famous black spots near the tail are one of their signature features. #weighinwednesday

We want to hear from you about Red Drum! The scoping period continues through October 30th, providing fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input about stock and fishery issues, and share ideas on management strategies. Learn more: bit.ly/4hkVFp4

🎣 Red Snapper season is OPEN! The 2026 federal recreational Red Snapper season is underway and will run through 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 12. • 1 red snapper per person, per day • No minimum size limit • 3-day season Tight lines! 📷 @ReturnEmRight

Big fish, big smile! Liam landed this 17-inch Sheepshead at Oak Island and released it to swim another day. 👏🎣 Fun fact: Sheepshead have some seriously impressive teeth to help them crush and scrape hard-shelled prey like crabs and oysters. 🦷🦀 #WeighInWednesday

Don’t miss Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild this Saturday, Oct 10, on ABC! The episode will feature a segment on NCDMF's Red Drum adult longline survey, including deployment of a satellite tag, part of the Think Coastal partnership with the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation.

We want to hear from you about Red Drum! The scoping period begins today through October 30th, providing fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input about stock and fishery issues, and share ideas on management strategies. Learn more: bit.ly/4hkVFp4

Now that’s a Drum worth talking about! 🎣 Zaarek caught this impressive 44-inch Red Drum in Pamlico Sound in June and released it to swim another day. #WeighInWednesday

That’s one WAHOO of a catch! Lauren landed this impressive 58-pound Wahoo. Congratulations, Lauren — we hope you had plenty of room in the freezer! 🎣 #weighinwednesday

🎣 The 2026 federal recreational Red Snapper season will open for harvest at 12:01 a.m. local time on Oct. 9 and close at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 12. • Bag limit: 1 red snapper per person, per day • No minimum size limit 📷 : @ReturnEmRight

Commercial Flounder season began today for pound nets north of Pamlico Sound. The season for pound nets in other areas and for mobile gears (gigging, gill nets, and hook & line) begins September 30th. More here: bit.ly/4wGDOxx

On an August afternoon, Colin got this beauty to take an eel—and the Cobia put up quite the fight! Colin landed the red-tagged fish successfully and earned a $100 gift card for his efforts. Congratulations, Colin! 🎣 #TaggingTuesday

Colorful, athletic, and downright delicious....just a few words to describe the Mahi or Dolphinfish. Austin and crew managed to stock their freezers and bring in a 44-pound citation worthy bull fishing out of Southport. 🐟 #weighinwednesday🪝

🎣 On this #TaggingTuesday, we're highlighting Josh who caught his first-ever tagged fish, a 27¾-inch Southern Flounder! Not only was it his first tagged fish, but it was also a personal best catch. Talk about a day to remember! 🙌

Meet Mylee Bartz, a state survey interviewer with @nc_dmf since 2025. She works with @NOAAFisheries to collect recreational #saltwaterfishing catch info from anglers. Your data helps support sustainable fishing opportunities. #fishingnc bit.ly/3LquQ2p

🏆 NEW STATE RECORD! 🏆 Brock Davenport of Beaufort landed a 16-pound Jolthead Porgy off Wrightsville Beach on Aug. 9, breaking the previous NC record of 14 pounds, 14 ounces! Congratulations, Brock! 🎣👏

False Albacore, aka “Little Tunny” is known for their high speeds and power, making them one of the most fun and often times difficult fish to reel in. 🎣 Congratulations to Elliot for his catch and release of an impressive 35-incher! #weighinwednesday

We want to hear from you about Kingfishes (Sea Mullet)! The scoping period begins today through September 30th, providing folks an opportunity to provide input about stock and fishery issues, and share ideas on management strategies. Learn more: bit.ly/46xHXZD.

🎣 Recreational Flounder season opens TOMORROW! Ready to reel one in? Don’t forget to report your harvest! Harvest reporting is mandatory for recreational anglers catching Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, Weakfish and Red Drum. Learn more: bit.ly/45XLHn6