Cast Your Cares Away in Halifax County: The Rockfish Capital of the World   The Roanoke River is considered by many fishermen to be one of the best fishing destinations anywhere, especially for striped bass (also known as rockfish). At one time, rockfish were at dangerously low levels, but thanks to conservation measures, they are now in plentiful supply; in fact, the Atlantic Coast Marine Fisheries Commission declared the striped bass in the Atlantic Coast to be a “fully recovered” species. With continued conservation efforts and sensible management, the rockfish supply should continue to be abundant.         The best time for striper fishing on the Roanoke River is from mid-March to early June when water temperatures are between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Striped bass may be caught and released May 1 through June 30, but keeping them is limited to March 1 through April 30. The lower Roanoke River is considered to be US Hwy 258 bridge near Scotland Neck to Albemarle Sound, and the upper Roanoke River is considered to be US Hwy 258 bridge upstream near Scotland Neck to the Roanoke Rapids Lake dam. During the open season, anglers may possess one daily creel limit of striped bass on any day of the week. The daily creel limit for striped bass is two fish per angler. The minimum length limit for striped bass is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 inches and 27 inches in length may be possessed at any time, and only one striped bass larger than 27 inches may be included in the daily creel limit. The Roanoke River Striped Bass Management Area is defined as the inland and joint fishing waters of the Roanoke River and its tributaries, extending from its mouth upstream to the Roanoke Rapids Lake dam. This area or parts thereof may be closed to striped bass harvest at any time when allowable poundage quotas have been reached.   Area Fishing Guide Services   Charlie’s Striper Guide Service (252) 586-1159/(252) 532-7634 (cell)   Bobby Phillips-Carolina Sportsman Guide (252) 203-3831, www.carolinasportsman.net Bucks Unlimited Outdoor Adventures (252) 535-2913 or 308-7523 Captain Jack Eudy (252) 537-1386 Captain Rod Thomas (336) 798-3327, www.telefishion.com John O’Briant (252) 532-3532 Occoneechee Lodge (252) 583-1799, www.deerhuntingnc.com Piney Woods Bait, Tackle & Hunting Shop (252) 826-5283 Roanoke River Outfitters (252) 536-3119, www.roanokehunting.com Roanoke Tar Guide Service (252) 532-9885, www.roanoketarguide.com Additional guide services may be available. Check www.visithalifax.com or call 1-800-522-4282 for more information.   Anglers—stop by the Halifax County Visitors Center at 260 Premier Blvd. (I-95 Exit 173) in Roanoke Rapids for a complimentary bag of peanuts and information on area attractions, dining & accommodations!

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