252 MARINE FISHERIES OF NORTH CAROLINA 



My observations are based on material gathered personally on these and 

 other angling grounds, or supplied me either by letter or in the small amount 

 of literature concerning game fishing off this coast. I have also made use of 

 scientific literature dealing with the fishes under discussion, and the files of 

 the International Game Fish Association. 



Hydrographic, economic, legal, and commercial material, contained else- 

 where in this Survey, is not duplicated here. Data on sizes of fish, unless 

 otherwise stated, refer only to sizes of interest to anglers. Anadromous fishes, 

 when chiefly fished by anglers in fresh water, are omitted. The absence of 

 certain fishes from angling grounds does not necessarily imply their absence 

 from the coast in deeper or farther offshore waters, or in seasons or under 

 some other circumstances preventing angling. 



At present there are no laws covering marine fishing in North Carolina, 

 except when such fishing may infringe upon riparian rights. Beaches are 

 posted so infrequently that this is a community problem only. 



The terms ''sports fishing," "angling," and "game fishing" are generally 

 understood to refer to rod and reel fishing only. As we are here concerned 

 with a potential source of income and recreation and not with angling rules, 

 these terms are here understood to refer to rod and reel fishing, "table" 

 angling when not in commercial quantity, and recreational handlining. "Big 

 game fishing" is generally applied to angling for large offshore fishes, such as 

 marlin, tuna, swordfish, and, usually, sailfish. 



ANGLING AS RECREATION AND ECONOMIC ASSET 



Angling is universally accepted as a healthy and inexpensive form of rec- 

 reation, and needs no discussion to support this fact. It is at present the most 

 popular sport in America and, without much doubt, in the world. Construc- 

 tion of more bridges and piers for fishing, and cooperation from North Caro- 

 lina's public schools, both for white and colored people, might be worth while. 

 The formation of more angling clubs and of clubs in connection with schools 

 or other educational or public projects will aid materially in furthering the 

 sport. 



A few of the people, industries, and businesses profiting by the presence of 

 visiting anglers on North Carolina's coast are listed here under the par- 

 ticular phase of sports fishing with which they are concerned: 



BOATS. Carpenters, masons, metal workers, architects, construction workers 

 of all kinds. Workers and equipment for shipyards, docks, slips, and filling 

 stations. The necessary purchase, repair and renewal of tools and materials 

 involved. Fishing cabins and their equipment in personnel and materials. 

 Bathing beaches and equipment. Oil, gas, food, ice, soft drinks for provision- 

 ing boats. 



