Fishing
New law requires some boaters to use kill switch
The Coast Guard is reminding operators of boats less than 26 feet in length of a new nationwide kill switch law. […]
Articles by Brian Cope
Columns
Species spotlight: Florida pompano
Florida pompano are part of the jack family and are the smallest of pompanos, being dwarfed by African and Cayenne pompanos. […]
Field Notes
First-aid additions for your fishing bag
Pack a couple of ACE bandages for first aid in your tackle bag, and you’ll be ready for many emergencies without taking up much space. […]
Catfish
New North Carolina state record blue catfish
Rocky Baker caught the new North Carolina state record blue catfish while fishing with Justin Clifton on the Roanoke River on July 10, 2021. […]
Columns
Species spotlight: Mahi-Mahi (aka dolphin)
Colorful, tasty mahi mahi, aka dolphin, are among the fastest swimming and fastest-growing species you’ll ever run into. […]
News Breaker
Black bear spotted swimming off N.C. coast
When two anglers fishing in North Carolina’s Bogue Inlet area saw a floating object in rough waves, they took a closer look and realized it was a swimming black bear. […]
Columns
Species spotlight: Bluegill
Bluegill are a favorite among almost every angler, and these sunfish are found everywhere and revered where they’re found. […]
Columns
Species Spotlight: Longnose gar
Longnose gar are found almost everywhere. They are one of the most prehistoric fish swimming in North American waters. […]
Crappie/Bream
Crappie smashes into truck windshield
Barry Poff was driving his Ward Transport and Logistics truck on I-73 crossing Randleman Lake near High Point, N.C. when a crappie smacked into his windshield. […]
Field Notes
Fix your boat and trailer before anything breaks
April is a favorite month for many anglers, and it’s also a month when a lot of people break down, either with a flat or a stalled motor. […]
Alligator
South Carolina gator gives up surprising stomach contents
A South Carolina alligator harvested on April 8, 2021 showed a sampling of what it had been munching on throughout its lifetime. […]
Columns
Species spotlight: Shellcracker
The redear sunfish, aka shellcracker, chinquapin or yellow bream, is identified most easily by the colorful edge around it earflap. […]
Other Hunting
272 coyotes killed during annual Carolina Coyote Classic
The 8th Annual Carolina Coyote Classic held Feb. 19 – 21, 2021, was a record-breaking event for the tournament in every meaningful category. […]
Catfish
Species spotlight: Blue catfish
Blue catfish are highly adaptable and live in almost any type of freshwater; lakes, ponds, creeks, swamps or rivers. […]
Field Reports
How to clean and cook a squirrel
Squirrel hunting season is going strong, offering up fast action and tasty meals for hunters who also know how to cook them. […]
Field Notes
It’s time to pattern your shotgun for turkey season
Turkey season is coming up, so it’s time to pattern your shotgun with the right combination of choke tube and load size. […]