NEW SPECKLED TROUT REGULATIONS ARE COMING!! SPEAK UP NOW!!

I've been added to the North Carolina speckled trout advisory committee and as such it is my charge to inform the public. Speckled trout fishing in North Carolina is the backbone of the recreational fishing industry. Please make your voice heard before the future of speckled trout is decided for you instead of by you.
www.deq.nc.gov/about/division...

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Please don't allow my opinions to guide your decisions here. Many people would disagree with my take across the board.

[@saltwater4892]

All I know from my experience..... Once DMF takes it away from Rec fisherman it never comes back.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Couldn't agree more. The light handed approach is what has resulted in that being a fact.

[@marcusd.9272]

Same thing with commercial.

[@saltwater4892]

@@marcusd.9272 I agree on your side also. Before long we will be fighting over pinfish.

[@frankb7107]

Gill nets have no business in our estuaries. Take the nets out and By-caught from trawlers and u will fix the problem!!! 10 fish limit to 4 to nothing and it want return. That's where this is heading!!!! But very informative video!!!

[@TM-zr9zn]

Thank you for what you are doing to represent us! God bless. I did find it interesting that the trout harvest has been significantly higher since they have protected the "endangered" flounder. Got to be some kind of correlation. Maybe allow folks to keep a flounder all year instead of just a couple weeks out of the year. Seems like that would take a lot of pressure off of trout and other species.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

The pressure has definitely shifted from flounder to trout. Nobody will argue with you there.

[@reeltoreelfishing5070]

There’s nothing wrong with the speckled trout population. Regardless of changes coming.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I know you see how crazy the pressure is out there. Its 100% true that we have more fish on the Neuse and Pamlico than anyone can remember seeing. We also have WAY more pressure, wildly advanced electronics, and them damn peanuts. 😆 Real talk though, it's impossible to know exact numbers of fish. We're going to mess up a little one way or another. I'd just rather have too many than to go down the flounder road all over again.

[@reeltoreelfishing5070]

@@FishingwithBrewski forcing the population to come to a conclusion about an unnecessary change is not progress my friend. I understand you want to do right by the fish and by the people. I simply can’t just “go along” with changes that are based on incorrect, old and skewed data. There are more factors in play than allocation. Water quality, weather, long term pattern changes…etc.

[@paulmoss7940]

Some of us would like to fish for flounder also . Look what they have done to us. Flawed survey numbers , and netters ,and $$$ monies from certain fish processors have relegated us lower than whalepoop. That is why some of us fish for trout. Now they are after them.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I totally agree with you. If you haven't seen "The Truth about Flounder" go watch it. I made that video. Right now, I just really need you to make a selection of what management measure you would like to see though.

[@paulmoss7940]

@@FishingwithBrewski I guess 4i

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you

[@ShawnLeonard-nz2tv]

Probably a little late as I just got notified of this page, but I could stand behind only 4i and 5g. I do typically keep up to my limit when Trout fishing (family that loves fish). I don't like the reduction in harvest numbers but nothing I can do to change it. We have already lost our Redfish and Flounder fisheries, so we need some type of inshore fish to target. I believe this is why Trout are now feeling the pressure. We have the expensive boats sitting in our driveways so we will target something. Not everyone likes inlet/ocean fishing. Some of us really just enjoy inshore fishing. We were told once Redfish recover, we would be given back the ability to keep more than one. We know that isn't going to happen as there are plenty of Redfish around. One item to address is where I fish, we have a lot of mullet fishermen targeting striped mullet with gill nets in same area that the trout are in. This causing a tremendous number of dead discards. I know they aren't specifically targeting the trout but none the less they are killing a lot of them. We need to keep the gill nets out of these creeks from November through January.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

You were in time. This is early in the process. The real decision won't happen for many months at the MFC meetings but this portion is going to make "on the record" recommendations. For example, the overwhelming majority of recs are calling for a net ban. That will go forward to the MFC. If they choose to ignore it from there we will start taking the necessary steps to make changes.

[@ShawnLeonard-nz2tv]

​@@FishingwithBrewski We probably will not get a total net ban, but it would be good but at least get them out of the creeks during the critical months of November through February when the trout are moving into these creeks. I realize that this is the same time of year that the striped mullet are in these creeks but if we want to have a trout fishery then something has to give. I have seen these nets go almost entirely across the creek. These fishermen know that there is no enforcement, so they do what they want. I am a weekend only fishermen due to work. I only get a few trips a month to fish depending on weather and work. I have gone out one day in a local creek and done very well. I come back the next day and there are 2 net boats in the same creek claiming to be targeting striped mullet. I have no reason to doubt that they are. The next day you can hardly even catch a pinfish in that same creek. Nets are indiscriminate. They kill every fish that can't get through the mesh and when the trout move in along with the striped mullet everything gets wiped out by the nets. As an FYI I only keep what my family and I can eat. I do everything I possibly can to release the fish I am not keeping alive and healthy by not handling them much and returning them to the water as quickly as possible.

[@greggjohnson3049]

My two cents. . . If I had a vote I would pick 4i and 5g. That is more than a 30% reduction for both rec.s and com.s I would not be happy without equal reductions and closures for both groups.

[@botoxrider973]

I prefer option 4k . Thanks for your ongoing efforts!

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you so much!

[@jameshutchison6989]

I feel it's important to respect your fishery. To maintain it and nurture it. I've lived in different areas and have seen great fishing turn into no fishing simply by overfishing and lack of respect for the fishery. And with that comes some of the heaviest closures. One thing I do see here in NC is that we have a great trout fishery. I would be willing to utilize the Dec. to Feb. closure for that period of time if that helps the most. Small period of time. For quite a few years now, I have started releasing fish over 20". I rarely keep a limit fish. Only enough for a meal. But then again, I have the opportunity to fish when I like. Not everyone has that opportunity. I get that. This may be painful, but we should really consider closing the use of nets in the creeks and backwaters. Sorry to say, but I see a great area of fish completely wiped out once the nets are deployed. My local area basically gets destroyed. So maybe you commercial guys should consider moving around instead of hitting one creek till it's empty. You might be upset by me saying this, but many of us are also upset by the fact that our area gets depleted in the matter of a night or 2. I'm sure you understand. But we have to be willing to think about our impacts. So, to avoid a full closure down the road.. I vote for the Dec-Feb. Closure. It's time to step up if you care about this. Respect what you have now to save it.

[@releaseover20]

Thank you for being a voice of reason, and explaining everything so clearly. You're doing a great service to the state of North Carolina! I'm glad you are involved in the advisory committee.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Glad to help

[@ronparr6799]

so you want to manage the rec but not the comm. Chicken chicken checkin. You cant even manage the comm now because people are being paid off

[@FishingwithBrewski]

You misunderstand me. I made the truth about flounder video man. What was meant by my statement is that I would like for comm to recommend how they get to a reduction that is equal to ours. However they do that is better left to them. I will not just allow them to do whatever they want on the whole. lol

[@specredslayer5440]

You’re absolutely correct these idiots are getting paid off. It’s all about money it always has been.

[@joelbledsole1638]

Thank you for putting this together.

[@ReelTymeFishing]

I would be in favor of a Jan-Feb Closure. Plus some sort of a spawn season closure, Maybe a July - August closure. 3 fish limit with one over 24". Plus, restrict the gill nets to include getting them out of the estuary. I am concerned that once we give something up, we won't get it back. I think that needs to be relayed to the DMF

[@davefish84]

I think closing to catch season from December to January would be extremely helpful with the fishery. Not saying it won’t be painful. I fish a lot in the winter and love to keep a trout from time to time. But if it helps make our fishery better than the future I’m willing to make that sacrifice. I also think a slot limit of 16 inches to 20 inches 2 or maybe 3 fish per day.

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

It seems they can make those #'s look however they need them to look to get any regulations passed.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

All of the stock assessments are peer reviewed by multiple 3rd parties. If anything, they're setting the bar too low. The 20% reduction required by law for trout right now only has a 50% chance of being successful.

[@jonathane984]

DMF/MFC science is why we are in this debacle to start with. They closed striper and flounder placing all the pressure on the speckled trout fishery and didn't think they should take any preemptive measures to keep them from getting overfished. That's why there's a huge spike in removals from 2019-present. There was also a cold stun event in December 2017 that closed harvest until June of 2018. My 2 cents, close the fishery from April to July to let them get to the spawning grounds and make babies. What's the point of protecting them in the winter if you're gonna turn around and remove them before they can spawn? My biggest problem with DMF is the lack of presence/enforcement. I've been checked on the water 1 time and at the ramp 2 times in the last 7 years. Survey folks don't count beacuse you can refuse the survey. A comm guy got caught above the bridge in Leechville with 900 trout in the boat this winter. Where's the news story on that, oh right, it didn't make the news. Get some enforcement on the water and this kind of stuff won't happen.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

The DMF director very strongly agrees with you. More enforcement is her #1 priority. DMF isn't the bad guy here. At least not current staff (not the same in the past) I'll explain all that tonight if I get the chance to make the video.

[@speckledtruth4577]

Great breakdown Brewski…congrats on the appointment!

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Appreciate it!

[@davidcrowley4101]

I’m in favor of adaptive management and the 56% reduction option. Thank you!

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I'd be with you, but the public has settled on lower reduction than that. Adaptive management is on the table though. It'll be in the hands of the MFC early 2025. Hopefully we can get everyone on the same page by the next public comment period.

[@haltysalty7537]

Lot of opinions on here and I respect the passion of these anglers. I'll say this though, Brewski is one hell of trout angler himself, he's taught me a thing or two. He's served his country and now he's trying in his way to serve his state. He and I have had many discussions about fishery management. I believe what he'll do first and foremost is try to protect the fishery. Is the science inaccurate, probably. Are politics at play, yes. Will somebody get the short end of the stick, maybe. But in the end, we need leaders who will put the resource first. I'm glad he's stepping up.

[@joshbecker1323]

Inshore commercial fishing is far more harmful than rec guys. Abolish inshore commercial fishing and just be fucking done with it

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you for your input. Even if we get rid of all comm impact in the trout fishery we'll still need a reduction on rec side. We are 85% of the take in this case. What sounds best to you? Slot, season closure, etc?

[@bcp5296d]

Bingo

[@joshbecker1323]

I would love to see source material to that. I cannot find any data on commercial daily limits as well as reports. I personally only keep fish on occasion. I fear the accuracy of this report may be flawed as there are plenty of catch and release fisherman. Moreover, of a suggestion, put limits over the fall when trout become a free for all and I can pull 3 limits of 16"+ trout out of queens in an hour. Slow down the fishery when it's most vulnerable

[@gpa4two]

The response is always the same! Even if we were to limit the net regs, ........ which is to say that DMF has zero interest in doing something about nets! What happened to flounder? 1000 yard nets is what happened to flounder.......go out and look at exactly what 1000 yards of net is, they wiped the flounder out in the sounds of NC!

[@bcp5296d]

@@joshbecker1323 this^ limit all harvesting in the fall/winter. I'd be down to see 2 in slot per day per person on the rec side, but in return I would ask we ban all gill netting inshore. There's a good reason the states that did this still have an active recreational following and plenty of fish.

[@donaldalvarez4503]

I’m personally favor for slot plus A trophy but I would strongly recommend getting rid of gill nets… I own a property on the white oak and many times I have witnessed these nets going from point to point and completely killing any land/dock fishing..I want to be clear this isn’t a commercial vs rec argument.. but time and time again I have seen these nets go in and fishing come to a halt.. from my dock over the last few years I have landed 3 trout ( I photo them every time because they are far and few) Once the nets go in everything stops trout drum- even pin fish are hard to come by.. many times my bait sits untouched..

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I've heard the same story and much much worse many times. That battle is coming and it's coming soon.

[@StevieYates]

Thank you for serving! I have never seen a reduction be changed to an increase. Once the government takes it you never get it back. Maybe this will be different but we will see. I would think that our neighboring are facing the same fishing pressure but Va restriction are no where as stringent as NC. SC seems to be on the same page as NC. I vote for 4J or 4K. Those regs seem somewhat reasonable. I personally rarely keep any trout. Occasionally I will keep a couple for friends that request a couple. Normally I catch and release.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you. There's pretty good reason that once something is taken it generally doesn't come back. All goes back to being light handed with regs.

[@reedlewis2151]

There is more people fishing for trout in inland waters for numerous reasons. One reason is because fuel is so high and fisherman can go fish burning less fuel by going to the fishing spot, and then using the trolling motor, or just simply anchoring up. As opposed to using a large horsepower engine to run off the beach, or even offshore.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Could you please give me your opinion on management measures?

[@thomasipock1130]

I'm glad they at least let you on the advisory committee. They denied my application for multiple reasons entirely.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I didn't get an official denial letter originally, but I didn't get selected either. I was notified right before it began that someone else had backed out and managed to send my application back again and got on then. The chairman of the MFC is the one who makes that call. Getting involved with DMF gives you your best chance. If you attend symposiums, MFC meetings, and become a volunteer tagger or other volunteer, it will help in the future.

[@ikashibimauler]

I've been catch and release for the last couple years. Seemed the right move for me up in Swansboro. I say 2 fish limit 15-19. No fish over 20 and get the gill nets out of the water. Its outrageous that they put them all the way across from bank to bank up in the white oak. I know they need to quantify the recommendation but common sense is common. Gill nets have no business in our estuaries. It is shameful that we are the last state raping our inshore resource with them. Jan- Feb is my favorite time of the entire year to fish and there is hardly anyone fishing at all. A closure would be awesome as I would see even fewer. As long as I can still register catch and release citations. If you actually want to move the needle you would need to hit the big months. There is probably 1/100th the pressure in Feb comparted to Oct. Circle hooks are only good for bait fishing. I would be fine with artificial lures only as well but good luck enforcing that.

[@mfccmemphis9112]

Louisiana outlawed gill nets years ago. You think we would be last to do this

[@tribalncgaming1091]

gonna disagree common sense is no longer common and is trumped by political contributions. . reduction only recreational catch is rediculous .. not regulating by reducing commercial and gill netting catch is the problem.

[@ikashibimauler]

@@tribalncgaming1091 I can't say I disagree.

[@135-j]

😂

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

Honest question that you may can answer. You said recs are 85% of the nc trout harvest. Where do they get that information? We don't report our catch and I have seen a biologist at the ramp about 4 times in my 32 years. So where do they pull those #'s from?

[@FishingwithBrewski]

They use MRIP. It's the guys at the boat ramp. They also used surveys that are sent out to all the fishermen they can contact to ask for info on catches. It's a long way from perfect, but it's used to predict future biomass. So the stock assessments will show pretty quickly if their estimates were wrong. Kinda comes down to cost vs benefit. A system that could actually report data with very high accuracy would cost tens of millions of dollars. That's why no other states have replaced MRIP. They all recognize the need for better data but getting that data just isn't currently realistic.

[@paulallen4951]

4J and 5H. On a side note you mentioned in the video " What happened in 2019" as far as the poundage intake. That's when Covid hit and everyone was out of work. So in turn they were out fishing for one of the only inshore fish they could keep in a decent quantity. Just my observation.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I know we didn't get sent home until March 2020 and I knew for sure a ton of the weekday traffic was from guys off work. What's got me scratching my head is how the numbers stayed so high. Even on weekdays it's still insane on the Neuse.

[@dogsbestfriend9]

I really prefer the adaptive framework management option as it allows adjustments based on science. The problem there lies in trust of managers. Therefore I prefer option 4k. More likely to meet the required number isn't it? I would rather catch a trout than eat a trout ..anyway. Thanks for helping trout and fishermen manage the fishery. Good luck and Tight lines

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Many people, even some far more experienced than me in this, agree on your stance with adaptive management.

[@zacharydomire9945]

I support some pretty big reductions, but long winter closures hurt people who fish inland. Dec-Feb is by far the best fishing in the Pamlico River

[@FishingwithBrewski]

They AC decision was no closure in the end. 16-20" slot with one over 24" mat the reduction necessary. Comm side originally suggested they wanted more and not less but eventually suggested Jan-Mar closure for their side.

[@zacharydomire9945]

@@FishingwithBrewski I would support no fish over 24 either or limiting to 1-2 per year if they go further in the future.

[@zacharydomire9945]

@@FishingwithBrewski 16-20 has been my personal slot for a while. I do feel like that is the perfect size if you are keeping a few to eat.

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

Again thanks for speaking up for us. I just can't figure out why NC has to be an exception to the gill net fishing. Regardless of what they THINK is the problem there is only 1 real problem that needs to be addressed but I have 0 faith that DMF will do what needs to be done. Putting tighter restrictions on the commercial fishery can only help NC fishing if that is truly what they care about.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

The DMF is a state agency. As long as they answer to the legislature, and the legislature is influenced heavily by commercial lobbying, the nets and trawls will stay in the water. You haven't been beaten, you've just never actually showed up to the fight.

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

No doubt you are right. Enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

I think they passed a law on the point of where nets could legally harvest fish on the neuse and pamlico moving them closer to the sound and those fisheries have improved quite a bit the past 2 years while most of the nets moved towards the new river and that fishery has gotten quite poor for speckled trout. They know what needs to be done but are to afraid to step on toes and do the right thing.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Definitely can't ignore the gillnet ban above the ferry line and the simultaneous explosion of fish. That said, there are other states with stock issues that have zero comm fishing. So nets definitely aren't 100% of the issue.

[@sgttillotson]

Option 4k

[@Ken-xm1rf]

Thanks so much for stepping up. I'd vote for 4J and 5H. I'd also love for gill nets to be banned altogether.

[@raymonddesmond8869]

In Texas we went down to 3 trout per day on March 26.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Yea that cold kill ya'll had was insane man. We've been fortunate for several years here without cold kills. I WILL make my way down there one day.

[@almostafarming]

At a minimum equal reductions to recreational and commercial. Close both during the peak of spawn sufficient to meet the proposed reduction. Vote against closing in Jan/Feb. For many of us means closure for the only viable fishery during those months. Vote to allow one fish over 20”. That should result in fewer violations than a confusing 16-20” then one over X. Vote to require Tournaments to: Be limited to largest fish not a bag limit weigh in, 2-must not occur more than once annually. 3-have a valid 501-c3 Charity on record for the proceeds. Thank you.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I see this isn't your first rodeo. Love the specifications here. Thank you. The majority is leaning another way, but hopefully, we can get a rough consensus by the 2025 MFC meeting. If we speak together, we will be hard to deny.

[@jerryc3093]

I like catching trout. I am in favor of anything that makes that process more succesful. The dinner table doesn't even factor into the equation in my mind.

[@skeeterman1970]

I don't understand why none of the neighboring states are not enacting closures and severely restricting the limits of trout, flounder, and other finfish? I hate to lose our current bag limit but to close the season Dec-Feb makes the most sense...

[@FishingwithBrewski]

DMF would be pretty happy to explain that to you but I'm sure most people don't trust them. The truth is, several of the same species are overfished/overfishing is occurring BUT their processes are different. Louisiana is more than 50% reduced and they still have wildly high limits. SC rules are run by the legislature so getting anything done there takes forever. For reds, we could have had higher limits but it would have made our slot tighter like it is in SC. SC southern flounder are just as overfished and they are actually kinda screwing us becuase some of our fish do travel below the state line. I'm extremely restricted on time as you can imagine so that's about all I can lay out right now but feel free to call around to other states Marine Fisheries people and they'll tell you the same.

[@christopherbarnett1792]

You are FAR too trusting of NCDMF. You recommend that we should trust the science? Like with flounder, stripped bass and herring? The reason for the spikes in trout harvests recently is due to NCDMF screwing up other fisheries and mild winters. Once NCDMF ruins the trout harvest, what fish it next? As mentioned in other posts, once NCDMF makes these changes, they will never look at the issue again.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I addressed your comment directly in the next video. I 100% agree with you and want the same things you want. Please just hear me out and lets get on the same page. If we get just 10% of recs together that's at least 40,000 people. When we argue among ourselves we get nowhere but if we scream together we will shake the foundation that this system stands on!

[@ikashibimauler]

I think it is more that they dont want to hear challenges to the science since without even agreeing on that baseline NOTHING could ever be done. To me it is better to move forward from perhaps a flawed starting point, than to not move forward at all.

[@CoastalOutdoors]

I appreciate you taking the time to inform the public. It’s continuing to be a disappointment where the previous generation has positioned us, on nearly everything. I grew up on the pamlico, and want to see my kids enjoy it the same as I did. Management and enforcement of these areas is influenced by dollars, not the betterment of the area. The working man outnumbers the crooked politicians, let’s remind them who they work for.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

This will be a BIG year brother. As you know though, even if we remove 100% of comm impact wel still have to have some kind of reduction although very small. Would you rather see a slot, reduction to daily bag, etc?

[@CoastalOutdoors]

@@FishingwithBrewski The commercial industry is a vital part of the economy for eastern nc, no argument there. Most commercial boys want to keep healthy populations so they can still make a living, unfortunately a few bad apples spoil the bunch. Harvesting trout and enjoying them as table fair I haven’t seen by many locals as the choice protein, a lot won’t even eat it. I mostly catch and release unless momma wants fish for dinner. I think any reduction will increase the breeding stock, release over 20’’ is something I back as those fish make new fish. The DMF will probably not increase harvest limits on anything for the near future, reds or flounder, and it’s a disappointment. I’m not a scientist, but seeing the regs in VA and SC different is just writing on the wall for those to be reduced as well. Outside the water harvest, there is also talks about reducing tag limits and shortening seasons on land. I am not sure of the solution but trusting the final decision of the government to make the right one is not something most believe will happen. I appreciate you trying to bring a voice to the majority of people who enjoy the water, hopefully this will be the fuel needed for the DMF to understand the impact of previous poor decisions will impact future generations of real people who want to benefit from the right to access the land and water

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

Also not sure on commercial regulations but have heard that out of state guys can come in and harvest fish to carry back wherever they are from and sell. My 4 yr old daughter could tell you that makes no sense if that is true. No out of state commercial fisherman should be allowed to commercially harvest fish in NC.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I've been told that half of the inshore trawling (most destructive form of fishing on Earth) is done by out of state trawlers. What makes that much worse is that those people aren't even purchasing licenses. The fish dealers hold a bunch of licenses and temporarily assign them to visiting trawlers. This way, the extra trawls don't have to give the state any money. It's wildly crooked.

[@ggw7948]

My 2 cents....i know it has to be done....i would vote for spawn time frame closure....move from 4 fish to 3 fish with a slot limit with 1 26 inch trophy. Commercial gear limits and limit reduction. No gill nets should be allowed. This would give us 30 to 40 percent which should meet threshold.

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

Look at other states who's fisheries are healthy and see what things they have done. I know you can't compare apples to oranges but if they made changes that worked it seems logical to try.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Banning of gillnets and inshore trawling are going to happen eventually. NC banned trawling inshore decades ago but then they fought to get it back on the 70s. You know, right before the grey trout vanished....

[@chuckpoovey538]

Can you go over the commercial restrictions that will be implemented! Is estuary netting stopped? Thx

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I'll try to get the video for that conversation finished tonight. If you want the nets gone, then please make it known.

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

I'm an avid fisherman but I don't get to fish enough to have a good opinion on how to do it, but keeping no large fish makes the most sense even though it can't immediately show results. And enforce the laws that you do have. These net guys know when to go in the creeks and destroy a trout population. Catch a few of these illegal netters and make an example out of them such as take there license etc. And maybe they will play by the rules a little better. Again just my opinion but appreciate you speaking up for us.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

The fine for getting caught netting inland waters is currently 35$. What makes it even worse is that they can't lose their license since that is a WRC violation and DMF doesn't recognize WRC fines. The guys who net New River have been caught a lot going back decades. None have lost their license. They refer to the fine as "the cost of doing business". I've heard guys openly brag about taking 1000lb a night.

[@zacharydomire9945]

If you start guiding, I will take a trip with you.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I've considered it many times in the past, but I have a good job, and our fisheries don't need any more people trying to make their living from them.

[@Bigtiny77]

I would favor 4i and 5g, or 4k and 5h. That way it's taking similar from both sectors. The thing with closing comm in Dec-Feb is that most of the fish in our 2 largest estuary rivers are already pushed out of the netting zones during those times, so it wouldn't be much of a comm reduction either way. This would increase their harvest when the fish move down to spawn in late spring and summer. I rarely keep now unless a fish is too weak to swim after release but restricting comm efforts in the seasons it's already loswest will not make a big difference in my opinion. It will help in particular fisheries such as white oak/new river areas but not so much in the Neuse /Pamlico basins. The adaptive management concerns me a bit as well. Giving DMF the reigns of complete control seems counter intuitive and there's not much trust there due to past decisions and corruption which you addressed in the flounder videos. Appreciate what you are doing keeping us informed with a great voice of reason. I've always respected you as a fisherman and steward of the resource.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you!

[@johnnieyoung6497]

I see you Brewski. Great info. How can I help.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Look at the options listed in the video and let me know what works better for you. Slot sizes, lower bag limits, season closure. Etc. I know this stuff is kinda dry but this is trout man. Its our last good creek fishery and we absolutely cannot and should not let this thing wind up the same way as flounder.

[@brettparrott8948]

The reason you've see the up tick in boats is from social media and youtube channels. Last 5 years theres more guys youtubing showing how and where to catch a fish, so its flooded the places they go recording their fishing. And no one has to put the time in anymore to find the bite, someone is posting that day when the bite starts, so the guessing game has been taken out the equation.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I don't disagree at all. Would you please give your opinion on whether you'd like a slot, closed seasons, Net bans, etc?

[@edwardpotterpotter5791]

4i and 5h.

[@michaelgouveia6453]

Barbless hooks for the closed months. Help with survival.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

That's not a bad idea, but the recommendations from the committee for things like that generally settled on not making that a matter of rule so much as allowing people to come to the conclusion that it's a good practice on their own. The release over 20 initiative has already spread very well but if we had tried to force people to do it the natural instinct would be to resist.

[@Stump1187]

Where can we find the copy of this doc?

[@FishingwithBrewski]

www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/hot-topics/information-spotted-seatrout-fmp-amendment-1#AdvisoryCommitteeWorkshop-14208. All the documents

[@johnboy350]

4C, 5i

[@GeorgePetron-gk2bs]

I wish oak island/Southport area would regulate where they are aloud to gill net , like they do up there. I rather catch and release big fish then catch and eat small ones.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you. We're discussing nets right now. Just for you though, would you prefer slot limits or closed seasons to reach the reductions?

[@mike333h]

I would say 4k and 5h

[@FishingwithBrewski]

THANK YOU!

[@asutodd]

Until they get rid of the netting..... yeah.....

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Go watch my most recent videos. Big group of people getting together to move against this

[@asutodd]

@@FishingwithBrewski already watched. Great vids.

[@lethallure6260]

Catch and release only for a few years enjoy being able to catch them fastest way to target

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I'd be with you, but we have to consider the desires of others. Some people do want fish to feed their family. Our end goal in this should be coming to one agreement so we all speak together.

[@lethallure6260]

@@FishingwithBrewski slot good and jan and Feb is low catch months due to extreme cold anyways

[@CraftY727]

I am fine with 4k. I release most fish unless I’m cooking fish that day or the next. I also don’t want to see it so restricted that my children can not keep a fish in the future.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I am the same. Thank you

[@hintonjay1]

4K & 5H…..but why should the rec sector be expected to bear the burden of reducing harvest so much more than com?

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Make no mistake, we will be pushing hard for an equitable reduction across both sectors.

[@hintonjay1]

Certainly appreciate the legwork, and info that you have provided.

[@redfishjones7711]

Meeting a reduction for comm guys means they have to tend a net, not let it soak in place for lord knows how long. Even while tending the net, the probability of those fish being really jacked up due to being in said net I’m sure is way worse than most hook and line guys. Get the nets out of the water! Other states up and down the east coast and gulf coast have already done this and it works. There are different ways for comm guys to make a living. Also, don’t let out of state people come in and have the ability to set nets as well. The white oak river in December is full of nets, lots from out of state.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Got it. Would you rather have slots for recs or season closures? Reduced bag limits? If we totally eliminate the comm fishery it still wouldn't meet total reduction unfortunately.

[@trutsieo5430]

We followed the science regarding flounder as recreational fishers. We allowed DMF to reduce our numbers. But we all know that commercial fishing has taken all sizes whereas we are the restricted ones. Now we are asked “to follow the science” on spec trout again. Just like covid. Stats can be manipulated to be anything. So now rec spec trout fishing has to accept a reduction & be happy with what we are told. You seem to be on the side of commercial fishing & that is the entire problem. Any ideas that rec fisherman submit will only be considered on the surface. No way should one state (NC) make restrictions that the other coastal states do not. It should be a regional effort.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I understand that without a lot of explanation, it may seem like that. Please watch "the truth about flounder" video that I made. Then just know that a LOT has happened since that video and this one and I will explain it all over the next few months. Make no mistake, I intend to help bring about change in NC fisheries management.

[@j-dub3447]

I would whole heartedly support a slot limit of 16”-20” with one trophy fish. Not in favor of closures for months. Not in favor of lowering the number of fish from 4. History will tell you what ever changes are made are the best they will ever be. It never goes back up it will only get more restrictive with time. And it needs to be understood that regulations on drum and flounder has driven all the fishing pressure to trout. No changes have been or are even being discussed on drum, and flounder well who knows. People will fish for what they can keep to eat. And I was a little uncomfortable with the way you discussed just letting commercial side just regulate themselves, when trauling and gill netting in our sounds and estuaries are a significant issue. You say the average guy keeps 2 trout for dinner, well I have a family of 6, 2 16”-20” trout will not feed a family of 6 that would like to have a fish fry. But I guess everyone is agreeable to just catch and release, and eat whatever you can buy at the fish market.

[@cbharris1127]

Slot won't work with nets in the water

[@bobbyelks1814]

Get rid of the Gil nets in our creeks.

[@gpa4two]

Name one game fish that DMF controls that they say we can catch any size and as many as we want????

[@FishingwithBrewski]

It wasn't that long ago when that was the case. But to be fair, that does not exist now. Still, nobody argues the science until they tell us current limits require reductions

[@zacharydomire9945]

What happens when you just go 14-20 without the 1 over 24? Keeping those gators really hurts the population.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Actually going from 14-16 has a far greater impact than keeping the 1 over 24. To people like you and me that sounds backwards I know but the vast majority of fish that are kept are small.

[@TheGurleys]

4k

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you!

[@jmdog37]

Prices to Fishing licenses need to come down.Common sense says why have a license if you cannot fish.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Fishing license cost 15$ and there is a special exemption for low income folks.

[@jmdog37]

@FishingwithBrewski Really Renewed mine 6 months ago and mine was 46 dollars

[@reeldragaddiction9553]

4i/5g

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

Close it down in January and February and that is 0 trout 0 flounder 0 striper and 1 red. Wow that's laughable.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I don't disagree. What would you like to see done?

[@redfishjones7711]

Gill nets need to be out of the water period. Then maybe the “science” will work.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Thank you. Would you prefer closed seasons, lower bag limits, or a slot? I'm all in with the net ban but even a total elimination of the comm fishery won't be enough to meet total reduction right now.

[@redfishjones7711]

@@FishingwithBrewski slot

[@rotch4735]

I'd be fine catch and release inshore for 3 years if it meant gill netters and inshore trolling were to stop

[@FishingwithBrewski]

We won't be going quite that far. Would you prefer a slot or closed seasons to reach the goal?

[@user-zw5im6ne3j]

@@FishingwithBrewski I am in favor of a closed season. Research indicates that speckled trout start their spawn in the 1st or 2nd week of May up through as late as October, depending on water temperature. It makes sense to me to have a closed season from May up to July or August to protect the breeders. It would make no sense to close the season in January and February. Most anglers know that the fall and winter are prime time for trout fishing. I am not in favor of a slot limit. But, I am in favor of a lesser creel limit. Like 2 fish per angler, per day and a closed season from May to August. Also, thank you for posting this video and please continue in keeping us informed.

[@ronparr6799]

its happening becuase everything else has been shut down

[@FishingwithBrewski]

100%. Please recommend an option. Wailing away on the internet gets us nowhere. There are over 400,000 recs in this state. If we speak together our voice will shake the ground man. Just tell me what you want.

[@user-pd2zu5vx7x]

The regulations now is ok they are controlled by the rich not the every day fisherman for food

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Statute requires at minimum a 20% reduction. Which will only give us a 50% chance of success in ending overfishing. So, while I totally understand where you're coming from, I can't make that suggestion to DMF.

[@dannyhatfield]

4i

[@rbmclamb]

The whole thing is simple and you stated this early in the video. There is simply no way to know exactly how many fish are in the water. I hate to be that guy.. but "the science" you are referring to as unquestionable is definitely questionable. Just because a boat is fishing a spot doesnt mean they are catching. Not knocking the comm guys but how many casts does it take to cover the same amount of water as 100' of gill net?

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I think I communicated what I was trying to say poorly here. You can absolutely question way the science is performed and the intensity either which it is performed. My point here is that I needed your comments to be what reductions would work best for you all. This just wasn't the forum for challenging science because no matter what any of us say, there will be at least a 20% reduction. In my defense, I'm doing my best to start a revolution to completely overhaul this jacked up system. The DMF is not where those changes will happen. It must happen in the legislature. We've been screwed over by the fish house owners for far too long and I think flounder is the wake up call everyone needed to take some action.

[@interminablyperplexed4903]

The babies are eaten by Drum and even Flounder when they're trying to survive in the grasses. Drum are so very plentiful and now with the insane Flounder regs, how is this not affecting the survival rates? Big Specs will also feed on baby specs. This is all a sad yet predicted nightmare. We just keep playing their game as if they are actually God in a tailored suit. We're so weak and easy to maneuver. Being the govt apparently not only owns everything on Earth, but also provides what choices the people it serves are allowed to speak about... Sure, close it when I'm freezing...Jan & Feb, keep 3...4i. Yay

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I'm done playing games after today. Just dropped the 3rd video of this series. Get with me if you wanna do something to change this system.

[@interminablyperplexed4903]

@FishingwithBrewski 3rd? Apparently I missed the 2nd. I'll take a look shortly. Before I even look, you know, I know, most anyone knows, the commercial industry has a huge economic impact in several ways, so the logic and sound arguments us rec folks bring to the battle are futile as you can imagine. I'm extremely busy, but will go back through your vids and do a little more research on neighboring state's approaches/philosophies and outcomes. Take care

[@specredslayer5440]

Let’s be honest here our opinions/recommendations don’t matter. Last year when they had their open public meetings and they didn’t listen to the guides or receration fishermen. We all appreciate what you’re trying to do but it doesn’t matter. Sounds like you’re trying to get likes and comments from this to make yourself feel important. Unfortunately you’re not a guide or anyone in the fishing community would consider you a Speckled Trout slayer or an expert. Why would the DMF or other agencies need you to get this information out when you have less than 2K followers. Why wouldn’t the DMF want an expert who fishes these waters everyday like Ricky Kellum, Halty Salty, Josh Sutton, Bert Hill, Austen Webber, Patrick Whaley, Joshua Helms,Roger Stewart, or Jacob Parente. These guys are some of the Trout experts in NC. Something fishy about this whole video. You always been anti commercial and totally against gill netters. Now it’s not about commercial vs recreation. I was out a buddy and we got stopped at shellrock Tuesday for a fishery survey. So if your supposedly the go to “expert” why would they be doing fishery surveys. You’re doing this only for you, for likes and comments to make yourself feel important only. Just stop 🛑, this is getting old and ridiculous.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

Take a breath and go ask those guys you listed as experts about their opinion of me and what I'm doing. Then get back to me.

[@specredslayer5440]

@@FishingwithBrewski They all know you and feel the same way. The experts all think you’re arrogant and “know it all” Nobody can tell you anything because according to you, you already done it and done it better. We get it you’re hiding your insecurities in your self. That’s what people like you do reflect on something they’re confident in to hide not believing in yourself.

[@haltysalty7537]

My friend, I appreciate your passion. I would encourage you to speak with brewski directly. He's done his research and can articulate this topic as good as anyone. I believe he's trying to do the "most right" thing here in a sea of bad options. The man loves a trout as much as anyone I know and he's a hell of an angler.

[@specredslayer5440]

@@haltysalty7537 bro there’s no point you can’t tell Steven anything. He doesn’t listen to anyone, according to him he’s done it all and better than everyone else. We do appreciate what he’s trying to do but it doesn’t mater the DMF already made their minds up it was evident in last years public meetings in New Bern in Wilmington. Steven had to get a hold of you to comment on his page but everything I said was true. So if it hurts his feelings oh well.

[@specredslayer5440]

@@haltysalty7537 Everything I said was true. You can’t tell someone like Steven anything because he’s done it all and better than everyone one else. He will be ok he’s a Marine.

[@saltwater4892]

I was re looking at your info 2020 march was the start of the flu lockdown and everyone (except me and a few others) was able to stay home and get paid, boat buying went crazy state parks were overrun campers were bought up. I know I am past the meeting you guys had from my understanding but I expect you will see a decline this year and the following years since everyone had to go back to work again. Also I am seeing more boats hit the market for sale this season. I call them covi boats. One more thing I was thinking is why would you (advisory comm) want to stop (limit creel and size) fishing when you said the stock is still good (strong) even though with the historic blip of data (1 year leading to the flue and after it) increase in fishing activity. Why not wait to to see a decline in the fish population before harming people like me that has to work during the week and cant fish everyday like you and others or all up and down the coast? I understand you mentioned you like the catch and release and only take a few hear and there but if Im going fishing Im looking for dinner for more than one person. You might reply with the flounder example for reducing but the flounder was an issue for years and the stock was declining and I think depleted (according to the "data") before anything was done. Not so with the trout. I made the comment that "once its taken away we will never see it back again" I still believe and stand on that. I dont think we will ever see two flounder per person, grey trout, or reds . My two cents from an average guy with an average boat and limited time to get out on the water.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I totally understand your viewpoint, and the decision to keep creel limits the same was made primarily to accommodate folks who may be coming in from far away or only fish on the weekends. Guides were universally in support of of giving up their individual limits. I also recommended that we consider (assuming pressure from rec grows at the same rate) the possibility of limiting individual days on the water using the mandatory reporting system. This would truly level the field and would also be the only tried and true way to limit pressure while maintaining a sense of fairness. Thank you for your input, and please know that people on the AC were already speaking for you, and we all came up with what we figured was the best way to eat a crap sandwich. To your statement on waiting for population decline to do something, I would point out this was identified as an issue in 2019 and will be ruled on by the MFC in Mar 2025 at the earliest. Our system, as many govt systems, is filled with beurocracy and is thereby very very slow at times. Passing an opportunity to stop this could very well mean it is not addressed again until 2030. By that time, we're a decade late to fix an overfishing issue. That's been the norm for NC and it's the norm because many people arrive at exactly the same conclusion you did but it doesn't go well for us historically so I'm asking to try something new.

[@MatthewJones-jx5mh]

Also they know the move that needs to be made if you truly care about our fishery, attack the problem at the source. NETS.

[@FishingwithBrewski]

I won't say nets don't absolutely devastate fisheries, but it's important to know that recs are more than capable of suppressing the trout population all by themselves. lailluminator.com/2023/02/03/speckled-trout-population-falls-to-lowest-level-ever-in-louisiana/#:~:text=Commercial%20fishers%20cannot%20harvest%20speckled,speckled%20trout%20harvest%20in%20Louisiana.