fishing news from the rivers edge

The October season is over, but South Carolina says off-season reports in VESL help its push for more state-based management, and NOAA will decide whether to add December days.

A final rule effective Nov. 2 lifts the annual limit from 31,000 pounds and replaces the in-season shutdown with a post-season adjustment, as the stock keeps rebuilding.

The later closure answers complaints from fishermen south of Carteret County, where spot arrive and leave later, while still meeting the 1% harvest cut required by the ASMFC.

ADF&G says this year's surveys found enough mature male Tanner crab in some areas, but not enough surplus to reach the minimum harvest levels needed to open any of the three districts.

ADCNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has started a winter-long drawdown near Millry to dry out the invasive plant, and boaters should check the water level before trying the ramp.