Albemarle Sound Striper Season

The Albemarle Management Area Striper (Striped Bass) Season will not open on January 1, as it has in past years. According to Sara Winslow, Albemarle Management Area Striped Bass Project Chair, this season will open by proclamation some time in mid-January. Winslow and members of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) Albemarle Striped Bass Management Project team are trying to find the best way to open the season to allow for a maximum number of days and the maximum number of fish per day limit.

This Management Area typically opens on January 1, with possession only allowed on certain days of the week. Last year the possession limit was lowered later in the year, in order to keep the season open for more days. Stripers are making a historic recovery from the days of overfishing and are closely monitored to prevent a reoccurrence. For more information, you can visit the NCDMF Internet Web Site at www.ncdmf.net. The phone numbers for the main office in Morehead City is (800) 682-2632 or (252)726-7021. The Regional Office in Elizabeth City, which is where the Albemarle Striped Bass Management Team is located, can be reached at (800) 338-7805 or (252) 264-3911.