Fish Tagging FAQs

Who do I contact for more information about the Fish Tagging Program?

To learn more, contact the Fish Tagging Program Coordinator, Ami Staples, at 252-948-3913 or Ami.Staples@ncdenr.gov.

Why Are You Tagging?

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is tagging more than 15,000 striped bass, red drum, southern flounder, spotted seatrout and cobia per year to help improve the management of these species. This program’s success is due to the cooperation of both recreational and commercial fishermen, like you, who report tagged fish.

How Can I Get Involved?

The division asks that all fishermen keep an eye out for tags. The division is tagging fish with one yellow tag, two yellow tags or one red tag, so please check over your fish. The division also asks for people to spread the word about this program and what it is doing.

Can I Help Tag Fish or I Heard You Were Hiring Guides, Can I Get Hired?

The division appreciates your interest in tagging programs. Fisheries staff works with a limited number of recreational anglers. Due to limited resources the division is not actively recruiting new taggers.

Why Do You Need My Social Security Number?

If a monetary reward is chosen, N.C. Accounting System rules require that the social security number be obtained. The division makes sure this information is secure and only gives it to the N.C. Accounting System for processing.

Can You Give Me More Information About the End-of-Year Drawing?

The end of the year annual tag reward drawing is for a $100 prize. The drawing takes place in February or March of the year following the recapture date. The division randomly picks a winning number for each species. The winner will be notified using the contact information given during the tag return process. This is just another fun way for the division to say thank you to people who are returning tags and tag information.