Fish Tagging FAQs
To learn more, contact the Tagging Program Biologist, Ami Staples, at 252-948-3913 or Ami.Staples@ncdenr.gov.
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries conducts stock assessments to estimate the stock status of fish populations. Tagging programs play a vital role in assessing fish populations by providing information about migration patterns, habitat use, growth rates, mortality rates, and population structure of fish. The information collected through the Tagging Program compliments stock assessment estimates, resulting in more informed and responsive management decisions through the Fisheries Management Plan process.
Currently, the North Carolina Tagging Program tags Cobia, Red Drum, Southern Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, and Striped Bass. Tagging occurs throughout the year in both inshore and offshore coastal waters. On average, 15,000 fish are tagged annually by collaborative efforts between division staff, volunteer taggers, commercial pound netters, and university researchers.
Our annual goal is to tag a minimum of 1,500 to 2,500 fish per species (Red Drum, Southern Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, and Striped Bass) with single low reward tags (yellow). We also tag approximately 6,000 to 9,000 hatchery raised Striped Bass that get released into North Carolina’s coastal river systems each year.
An additional goal is to double tag fish with low reward tags at a rate of 10 to 25 percent and tag another 150 to 250 fish with high reward tags (red). We double tag fish to estimate tag retention rates and we use high reward tags to estimate angler reporting rates. We also have a goal to tag a minimum of 100 to 200 Cobia per year with high reward tags and an additional 25 to 50 Cobia with high reward double tags.
Reporting a tagged fish is one of the easiest and best ways to get involved with the Tagging Program. Whether you are fishing recreationally or commercially, from a boat, kayak, pier, private dock, beach, riverbank, etc., keep your eye out for tagged fish. Tags are meant to be unobtrusive to the fish and sometimes can be missed or mistaken by anglers. Depending on species, tags look like yellow or red plastic streamers coming out of the side of the fish (Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass), near the dorsal fin (Cobia, bull Red Drum larger than 27 inches ), or near the caudal peduncle (Southern Flounder) of the fish. Visit the Tagging Techniques section of our website for pictures of our tags.
In addition to reporting tagged fish, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries asks people to spread the word about the Tagging Program. If you own a tackle shop or live near a popular fishing spot or ramp site, download one of our Tagging Program posters and post it on a bulletin board or window. In addition, you can request program brochures and promotional stickers by contacting the Tagging Program Biologist, Ami Staples, at 252-948-3913 or Ami.Staples@deq.nc.gov.
Yes, they do! The success of the Tagging Program is due to the participation of both recreational anglers and commercial fishermen, like you, who report tagged fish. The Tagging Program receives over 800 tag returns each year, which provides valuable information about our marine finfish species.
Don’t believe us? Follow the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and look for our Tagging Tuesdays posts. Tagging Tuesdays feature fishing stories and pictures of anglers with their tagged fish. To submit your fishing story and picture to Tagging Tuesdays, e-mail the Tagging Program Biologist, Ami Staples, at Ami.Staples@deq.nc.gov.
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has a Volunteer Tagger Program where recreational anglers and commercial fishermen can participate in tagging Cobia, bull Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and Southern Flounder. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tagger, please follow the link below and complete a volunteer tagger application. Once your application is received, you will be added to our volunteer tagger e-mail list and will receive updates on the Tagging Program along with notifications about training opportunities. Volunteers are selected based on need by species and location.
View the Volunteer Tagger Application
All volunteer tagger applicants must complete in-person, hands-on training before becoming an eligible volunteer tagger and receiving your tagging kit. Volunteer tagger training sessions are held twice a year during the spring and fall, and last about 3 to 4 hours. Division staff give a brief overview of the Tagging Program, go over tagging procedures and how to record data, and discuss proper handling and tagging techniques with real fish.
Catch. Cut. Report. If you catch a tagged fish, cut off the tag, and report the tag to 1-800-682-2632 or online using the link below. Some fish may have two tags, so check both sides of your fish. Two tags mean double the reward!
To be eligible for a reward, you will need to provide the following information about your tagged fish:
- Species of fish
- Tag number(s)
- Date fish was caught
- Specific location fish was caught
- Gear used to catch fish
- Total length of fish
- Fate of fish (kept or released)
In addition, you will need to provide your contact information to receive your reward packet. Reward packets are mailed within 2 to 4 weeks of submitting your tag return information.
Red tags are worth $100 and must be mailed to our Morehead City Office for verification. To ensure the tag does not get lost in the mail, please tape the tag to a sheet of paper and write your name, address, and phone number on the paper. Fold the paper with tag, place in an envelope, and mail to:
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
ATTN: Tagging Program
P.O. Box 769
Morehead City, NC 28557
Sometimes it may be hard to read the tag number. If the tag has algae growth, do not scrape the algae off because this could damage the tag. Soak the tag in warm soapy water until the algae separates from the tag or you can gently rub the algae off. If the tag is damaged and you are unable to read the tag number, you can send a picture to the Tagging Biologist at Ami.Staples@deq.nc.gov or mail the tag to be verified.
To ensure the tag does not get lost in the mail, please tape the tag to a sheet of paper and write your name, address, and phone number on the paper. Fold the paper with tag, place in an envelope, and mail to:
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
ATTN: Tagging Program
P.O. Box 769
Morehead City, NC 28557
Lay the fish down on a cool, flat surface on top of a ruler, tape measure, or measuring board. Measure the fish from tip of snout to pinched end of tail to get total length. Measure the fish from tip of snout to fork of tail for fork length. Be sure to measure the fish even if you are planning to release it. Remember to handle the fish carefully with wet hands or wet gloves—never use a dry towel.
After your tag return information is processed and verified, you will receive a reward packet which contains a letter with information about your tagged fish, certificate with map of where your fish was originally tagged, and where you caught it, and a reward item of your choice. Yellow tag rewards include a Tagging Program hat, fish towel, fish pin, or $5. Red tag rewards are $100. Checks for monetary awards are mailed separately from our Raleigh office and are mailed within 4 to 6 weeks of submitting tag return information.
The end-of-the-year annual tag return drawing awards an additional $100 to anglers for reporting a tagged fish. The drawing takes place in spring of the year following the tag return reporting year. So if you report a tagged fish in 2023, you will be entered into the annual drawing that takes place in spring of 2024. Every tagged fish you report is an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing. The Division randomly selects three winning numbers for each species. The winners are notified using the contact information provided during the tag return process. This is just another fun way for the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries to say thank you to people who are returning tags and tag information.
Yes! Tagging Program staff conduct education and outreach programs as part of our mission to inform the public about marine fisheries resources and promote the many diverse research and fishing programs at the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. We offer a wide range of programs catered to diverse audiences, including but not limited to grades K-12, summer camps, fishing clubs, local festivals, expos, career fairs, etc. Whether you’re an avid angler wanting to learn more about fish migration or a school teacher looking to enhance their student’s knowledge of marine fish species and ecosystems, the Tagging Program has something for you!
If you would like to schedule an education program or have us attend an outreach event, contact the Tagging Program Biologist, Ami Staples, at 252-948-3913 or Ami.Staples@deq.nc.gov.
Please share your fishing story with us! We would love to feature you and your fish on our “Tagging Tuesday” social media posts. Anglers who share their fishing story and picture will receive an additional Tagging Program item in their reward packet. You can e-mail your fishing pictures to the Tagging Biologist, Ami Staples, at Ami.Staples@ncdenr.gov.
Please note: pictures will only be posted to social media that display proper fish handling techniques. Hold the fish with one hand supporting the head and the other hand supporting the body or tail. Do not use fish grippers. Do not hold the fish by the gills or only by the lip.
By submitting a photo and accompanying information, you agree to allow the Department of Environmental Quality to use it for education and outreach purposes. All photos must be submitted by the angler or legal guardian of the angler. All photos must demonstrate proper fish handling techniques. Fish must be landed in North Carolina state waters or in federal waters immediately offshore of North Carolina.