MOREHEAD CITY -- The striped bass hook-and-line season will open in the Albemarle Sound Management Area at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 1998.

Striped bass may be taken by hook-and-line on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday of each week during the season. Fishermen may take three striped bass per person, per day at a minimum length of 18 inches.

Undersized striped bass that are caught must be handled carefully and returned to the water where taken as quickly as possible. By practicing careful release techniques and observing fishing regulations, fishermen help preserve fish for the future.

It is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line.

The Albemarle Sound Recreational Harvest Management Area includes the Albemarle, Currituck, Croatan and Roanoke Sounds and their inland and joint water tributaries, except for the Roanoke, Eastmost, Middle and Cashie Rivers.

The hook-and-line season on striped bass will close at 6 p.m. on April 29, 1998, unless the harvest quota is reached earlier.

For more information contact, Harrel Johnson, DMF- Elizabeth City, at (919)264-3911 or (800)338-7805.

Date Posted: March 10