THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, February 18, 1997            TAG: 9702180405
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B2   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
                                            LENGTH:   20 lines

COMMERCIAL SEASON OPENS FOR STRIPED BASS CATCHES

The commercial season for striped bass catches in the Albemarle Sound Management Area and the Pamlico Sound area opened Saturday and is scheduled to close April 15 unless the total allowable catch is met earlier.

The areas involved are the Albemarle Sound, Croatan Sound, Roanoke Sound, Currituck Sound, and all of their joint water tributaries, excluding the Roanoke River. Also included is the Pamlico Sound, Pamlico, Pungo Bay and Neuse Rivers. Fish caught in the fishery involved can only be sold to dealers possessing a valid striped bass permit for that fishery.

Fishermen using commercial gear during the season may keep up to three striped bass per day as a bycatch. Those fish must not exceed 25 percent by weight of the total catch at a minimum length of 18 inches.

For details, call the Marine Patrol office at 1-800-405-7774.