. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. THE CATCH SPOT Though many consider spot suitable only for the frying pan, it is one of the most popular recre- ational species along the coast. In years past, it was especially sought in the fall by eastern North Carolina farm families weary from harvesting their crops. In Septem- ber and October, when the fish migrate to the inlets to spawn, hordes of country folk would head to Kure Beach and other choice fishing sites, stash their suitcases in a motel convenient to the water, and sometimes fish straight
. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. THE CATCH SPOT Though many consider spot suitable only for the frying pan, it is one of the most popular recre- ational species along the coast. In years past, it was especially sought in the fall by eastern North Carolina farm families weary from harvesting their crops. In Septem- ber and October, when the fish migrate to the inlets to spawn, hordes of country folk would head to Kure Beach and other choice fishing sites, stash their suitcases in a motel convenient to the water, and sometimes fish straight through the night. Even though spot can be caught at any time of the day, night is the best time to fish for them because they are more active. On a typical night, anglers can reel in enough spot to fill a cooler. "The lowly little panfish, the spot, has fed many a hungry mouth in the winter," Bahen says. One reason is that the fish are not hard to catch. Folks with little angling experience can buy an inexpensive rod and reel, some bloodworms or shrimp for bait — and settle into the rhythm of pulling spot out of the surf, into the boat or onto the pier. The tide of farmers to the coast at. summer's end has ebbed, but Bahen says some people still keep the tradition alive today. Because spot have no bag limit, fishers can catch their fill. What they don't eat fresh, they can carry back home and freeze for another day when they crave that crispy fried taste of the ocean. No matter what you angle for, you should plan ahead to handle your catch. Once the fish is out of the water, chill it right away. Bahen recommends an ice slush made by adding a little salt water to a cooler of ice. ? Member of sciaenid family Ranges from Delaware Bay to Florida Average catch weight: 1 to 2 pounds Average catch length: 6 to 12 inches ANGLING FOR A PRIZE? Fishers with a competitive spirit may want to take part in one of these tournaments: 4th Annual Saltwater • Cape Hatteras Angler's
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookcollectionunclibra, booksubjectoceanography
