Researchers from N.C. State University are studying the habitat use and movement of speckled trout in coastal waters.
The study, being run through the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City and headed up by Tim Ellis, relies on select fishermen and researchers tagging speckled trout and examining tagged fish when they are recaptured and reported by other fishermen with regards to when and where they were caught, plus their size.
The study began with the initial tagging of trout, without any data for comparison. Getting recapture dates and locations is crucial, so getting fishermen to take the time to call a toll-free number and report the number on the fish’s tag is important.
UNC Sea Grant and the N.C. Coastal Recreational Fishing License Fund is financing the study. Most of the funds are dedicated to tagging time and supplies, but some is earmarked for rewards for special tags. The standard spaghetti tags come in two colors: yellow tags are worth a $5 reward, or a hat or t-shirt. Reg tags carry a $100 reward.
Tags are inserted just behind the pectoral fin and are locked to the fish with a toggle in the upper body cavity. Ellis asks fishermen who recapture a tagged trout not to try and pull the tag loose, but to snip it off and mail it in, which prevents any errors in recording the tag number. Size measurements are appreciated but not required. Some fish are tagged twice, and the rewards on both tags will be rewarded.
Tags have been recovered from neighboring states, and while several fish have moved long distances quickly, others have stayed close to the spot of their original capture for long periods of time. Ellis hopes to see if there are similar movement patterns from fish that are tagged in different areas.
If you catch a trout that has been tagged, snip off the tag and call 800-790-2780.
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