Source: NCDENR, 4/22/21
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will make several changes to
its Saltwater Fishing Tournament criteria, effective May 1. The tournament, popularly known as the Citation Program, is not a competition but a longstanding certification program that recognizes outstanding saltwater catches. Catches that meet minimum weight or release length requirements, along with other qualifications, are eligible for an 8½-by-11-inch citation (certificate) that is suitable for framing. Changes to the requirements: =
Atlantic
bonito and striped bass will no longer be eligible for citations. =
Atlantic
croaker will be eligible for a citation at 1 pound, 8 ounces. =
Black
drum will only be eligible for a release citation. The minimum release length
will remain 40 inches. =
Gag
grouper will be the only species eligible for a grouper citation. The minimum
weight will remain 20 pounds. =
Sea
mullet will be eligible for a citation at the minimum weight of 2 pounds. =
Sharks
will only be eligible for a release citation. The minimum release length will
remain 80 inches. =
Gray
tilefish a will be eligible for a citation at the minimum weight of 12 pounds. =
Blackfin
tuna will be eligible for a citation at the minimum weight of 25 pounds. In addition to the criteria changes, there is now a new online
application for anglers who have released qualifying species. Anglers are
encouraged to use the online application for released fish but
must visit a weigh station for fish that require a minimum weight. The Division of Marine Fisheries periodically reviews and changes
the Saltwater Fishing Tournament criteria to reflect requests from anglers and
input from division biologists and to better the program and benefit its
participants. The tournament year runs from Jan 1 to Dec. 31 each year. Any
citation-size fish caught in 2021 prior to May 1 will be eligible under the
previous citation guidelines. For more information, go to the N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament webpage or
contact Carole Willis, sportfishing specialist with the Division of Marine
Fisheries, at 252 808 8081 or Carole.Y.Willis@ncdenr.gov.
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