Here's the North Carolina and South Carolina Hunting & Fishing Weekly Roundup for April 20–27, 2026

 

Dear Friends Outdoor Journal Reader,

North Carolina continues its strong emphasis on bear safety with the April 17 BearWise® reminder still prominent, urging everyone to secure garbage, remove bird feeders, and never feed bears intentionally as spring activity rises. Public engagement opportunities are active: the Rules Committee held a special webinar on April 23, and the Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) meets April 30 at Lake Waccamaw State Park (in-person or via Zoom). The recreational spotted seatrout harvest remains closed in inland and joint waters through June 30, 2026. Anglers catching notable fish this year can submit details and photos through the NC Angler Recognition Program for an official printable certificate.

In South Carolina, state and local officials provided an update on April 26 regarding the fish kill at Lake Greenwood, with ongoing monitoring and response efforts. Turkey hunters are reminded of the printed tag form misprint (error only on the back of forms); actual 2026 seasons are private lands April 3–May 3 and WMA lands April 3–May 2 (no Sunday hunting on WMAs), with tags themselves being accurate. Hunter safety trends remain positive, with SCDNR noting a continued drop in hunting-related fatalities. April freshwater fishing reports highlight good bass, crappie, and catfish action on lakes like Russell, with fish moving shallow during the spawn period.

Conservation and access efforts stay in the spotlight. The recent dedication of the Little Eastatoe Connector expanded public hunting, fishing, and hiking opportunities in Jocassee Gorges WMA. Both states encourage checking current regulations, using official apps, and practicing ethical, safe outdoor habits. No broad new closures or disease alerts were issued this week beyond the localized Lake Greenwood situation, but coastal and inland users should monitor local conditions and water quality.

Don't forget to check out my favorite guides

https://www.instagram.com/captbryandehart/

https://www.instagram.com/speckled_specialist/

https://topsail.fish/captains/captain-lee-parsons/

https://www.instagram.com/tournamenttrailcharters/

Tight lines and safe trails this week, Your Friends Outdoor Journal Team https://friendsoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/

Here's the North Carolina and South Carolina Hunting & Fishing Weekly Roundup for April 13–20, 2026.

NC/SC Outdoor Weekly – Mid-April 2026 Bear Safety, Turkey Season & Fishing Action

Dear Friends Outdoor Journal Reader,

North Carolina wildlife officials continue emphasizing proactive bear safety as spring activity increases. On April 17, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission released guidance urging residents and outdoor enthusiasts to prepare for a BearWise® year by securing trash, removing bird feeders, and avoiding intentional feeding to reduce human-bear conflicts. Recreational spotted seatrout harvest remains closed in inland and joint waters through June 30, 2026, following an earlier temporary rule. Striped bass hook-and-line harvest stays suspended in the Roanoke River Management Area through April 30. Coastal anglers report strong inshore action with striped bass and big drum in the surf, plus nearshore bonito and improving offshore opportunities for tuna, dolphin, and wahoo as waters warm. The 2025-26 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest is available, and the Barn Owl Live Cam remains active for wildlife viewing. Upcoming meetings include a Rules Committee webinar on April 23 and NWAC on April 30.

In South Carolina, turkey hunting season continues with a noted correction on printed tag forms: private lands run April 3–May 3 statewide, while WMA lands are April 3–May 2 (no Sunday hunting). The actual tags are correct despite the misprint. SCDNR highlighted a positive safety trend with a sharp drop in hunting-related fatalities in 2025 (down to two from five the prior year), crediting ongoing education and enforcement efforts. Inshore and nearshore fishing reports from mid-April show solid action on bull reds, flounder, and other species in areas like Charleston Harbor, with warming waters and tidal movements creating good opportunities. Red drum conservation discussions remain active from earlier legislative proposals, though no new closures hit this week. Statewide fishing and hunting rules continue under the current guide—anglers should verify limits and seasons.

Conservation, safety, and access remain key themes across both states. NC Wildlife stresses responsible practices amid dry conditions and high fire danger in national forests, while encouraging use of the Go Outdoors NC app for licenses and real-time info. South Carolina's land dedication efforts, such as the recent Little Eastatoe Connector expansion in Jocassee Gorges WMA, support better public access for hunting and fishing. No major emergency closures or disease alerts emerged in the past seven days, but both agencies remind outdoor users to check current regulations, practice ethical harvest, and report incidents. Public input periods for future rule changes (including potential Sunday hunting in NC) are ongoing.

Tight lines and safe outings this week, Your Friends Outdoor Journal Team https://friendsoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/

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speckled_specialist

     

Is This Where You Fish? 5 Most Alligator Filled Rivers In North Carolina

 They are concentrated in the southern coastal region, near the lower Cape Fear River Basin, the Black River, and the Alligator River.

Source: WorldAtlas

 https://search.app/U2eUX

Best Saltwater Fishing Towns in the South - Catch spotted seatrout, redfish, flounder and more at these coastal cities.

 

From Game & Fish Online

From the Gulf to the Atlantic, you’ll find opportunities to fill the shortening days will memorable moments and tackle-testing adventures; many of which will deliver fresh seafood dinners.

https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/best-saltwater-fishing-cities-south/540116

Lobster Mini Season (Florida): All You Need to Know

 Love this from Boat Setter. 

Lobster Mini Season, officially known as the Florida spiny lobster sport season, is a beloved two-day event that draws thousands of lobster enthusiasts to the Florida Keys and beyond... 

 ...  https://www.boatsetter.com/boating-resources/lobster-mini-season

Flounder... The Last Word?

 Will there be a 2025 recreational flounder fishing season in NC? https://share.google/WywTD8UO5sTp2H5tM

10 Mistakes Boaters Make in NC That Get Them Tickets

North Carolina’s waterways are beautiful, but they come with rules that can trip up even seasoned captains. Here are the top 10 mistakes boaters often make in NC that can lead to tickets or worse:

⚓ 1. Operating Without a Boater Education Card  

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry proof of boater education when operating a vessel with a motor of 10 HP or more.

🚨 2. Not Having Enough Life Jackets  

You need one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket per person onboard — and kids under 13 must wear them at all times while underway.

🛥️ 3. Speeding in No-Wake Zones  

Blasting through marinas or near docks at full throttle is a surefire way to get flagged down by wildlife officers.

🍻 4. Boating Under the Influence (BUI)  

Just like driving, boating while impaired is illegal. NC has strict BUI laws, and penalties can include jail time and loss of boating privileges.

🔦 5. Missing Required Safety Equipment  

This includes fire extinguishers, navigation lights, sound-producing devices (like a whistle or horn), and a throwable flotation device.

📜 6. Not Registering or Displaying Numbers Properly  

Your boat must be registered with visible numbers and decals. Faded, missing, or improperly placed numbers can lead to fines.

🧭 7. Ignoring Navigation Rules  

Failing to yield, cutting across channels, or not knowing “Red Right Returning” can cause accidents — and citations.

📵 8. No Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)  

Federal law requires an ECOS on certain boats. Not using it when required can result in a ticket.

🌊 9. Overloading the Boat  

Exceeding the boat’s capacity plate (by weight or passengers) is dangerous and illegal.

📋 10. Not Filing a Float Plan or Checking Weather  

While not always ticketed, heading out without telling someone your plan or ignoring weather advisories can lead to search-and-rescue situations — and scrutiny from authorities.