Redfish Can't Jump - The Issue

North Carolina‘s state fish the red drum, aka redfish, puppy drum etc., was once depleted by overfishing and destructive gear practices such as gill nets in inshore waters and estuarine nurseries. Although stricter regulations and better enforcement have helped these fish move into the "recovering" stage, they are a long ways from being "recovered". While regulated as a “bycatch” fishery by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries an annual cap of 250,000 pounds has been exceeded in year(s) 1998 by 44,366 lbs, in 1999 by 122,942 lbs and in 2000 an excess of 20,953 lbs!

The Facts

  • North Carolina’s commercial harvest of red drum provideds 97% of the total harvest of the species within the United States.
  • North Carolina’s total Commercial Profit from the sale of red drum from the years 1972-2007 $4,042,043.00. The total profit from recreational fishing targeting Red Drum in NC in 2004 alone was $50,000,000.00.
  • North Carolina gill nets have indiscriminately killed non-targeted species such as endangered sea turtles, waterfowl and other fish species.
  • Coastal anglers fishing in North Carolina in 2006 spent a total of $2.03 billion (the 5th highest total across the 23 coastal states). The $2.03 billion in expenditures generated $2.5 billion in total sales to businesses located in North Carolina, provided $780.8 million in personal income to workers in North Carolina, and supported 23,782 jobs in the state.

    •  
     

    		 
     
    The Solution

    Protect North Carolina’s state fish by declaration of gamefish status thereby prohibiting the commercial harvest or sale of red drum/redfish.
    Terminate destructive fishing gear practices in NC waters by eliminating gill nets.
    Initialize dual enforcement for our NC Division of Marine Fisheries Officers and NC Wildlife Officers allowing each branch to ensure enforcement of existing regulations.
    		 
       
     
    Captain Seth Vernon
    Can best be described as a fly fishing Sherpa with an infectious enthusiasm. An ardent conservationist & writer Seth brings professionalism, good humor & “fish sense” to the project. He loves cookies.
    Luke Pearson
    Luke is a young filmmaker bringing more than a skiff full of talent & steady hands. The consummate outdoorsman, Luke’s vision & skills with the camera are as unique as they are unmatched. Always armed for adventure with sarcasm and a smile we all enjoy a look through his lens.
    Josh Eddings
    Josh started his saltwater education with bonefish and hasn't had enough since. An accomplished hook with a fly rod, crazy duck hunter and all around good guy Josh creates fun wherever he roams. Josh is responsible for numerous organizational duties, networking and rallying support from musician friends who share our vision for the film.
    Wes Aiken
    Web Guru, fly junkie & concerned recreational fisherman, Wes shares his insights from the bow, poling platform and from behind the computer. A constant source of excitement & encouragement he helps out on film as a “hand model” and “fish wrangler”, did I mention he’s got a sick cast?!
    Mark McGarity
    Artist, conservationist, fly angler & web designer, Mark is an integral part of the team. Mark helped found Georgia Redfish.Org, Knotwork Fishing, M-Clip & many other fishing related projects. Mark spends his spare time on his Maverick HPX chasing anything with fins and is the best looking guy in the bunch but we try not to hold any of that against him...