Source: Adam Wagner, KINSTON FREE PRESS, 6/28/18


Coastal fishermen last year made the fewest trips and caught the fewest fish of any time in the past five years, according to data released by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Recreational fishermen took a total of 4.54 million trips in 2017 -- including shoreline or pier fishing, charter boats, private boats or casting in man-made ponds. That number is down from 5.4 million in 2016, in part, the department believes, because of the impacts of Hurricanes Jose and Maria passing offshore last fall.

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