Carteret Wildlife Club outing
Started by
fritz
, Aug 15 2016 02:23 PM
10 replies to this topic
#1
Posted 15 August 2016 - 02:23 PM
Saturday Aug 6, Scott Smith and I took 15 members (10 adults and 5 children) on primarily freshwater collecting trip in the nearby Croatan National Forest in eastern NC near New Bern. I had done this about 5 years ago at the request of retired fisheries biologist, Gene Huntsman. Since I and most of the group had gotten older I enlisted the help of my younger friend, Scott Smith (of ncfishes.com fame).
We have had a considerable amount of rain recently so my expectations were low. Our first stop was Tucker Creek, a turbid and over the banks creek just outside Havelock. It's claim to fame is that the oldest (and for a long time only) record of the Bridle Shiner was here. Taken in 1962 and never seen again. The fish has subsequently been found at several locations in eastern NC, especially when we sampled its
preferred habitat - deep water with lush vegetation. Alas we did not find it here but Scott did dip net a large Redfin Pickerel and we both caught Pirate Perch whose Latin name amused everyone, Bluepsotted Sunfish, Warmouth, and a Sawcheek Darter
We have had a considerable amount of rain recently so my expectations were low. Our first stop was Tucker Creek, a turbid and over the banks creek just outside Havelock. It's claim to fame is that the oldest (and for a long time only) record of the Bridle Shiner was here. Taken in 1962 and never seen again. The fish has subsequently been found at several locations in eastern NC, especially when we sampled its
preferred habitat - deep water with lush vegetation. Alas we did not find it here but Scott did dip net a large Redfin Pickerel and we both caught Pirate Perch whose Latin name amused everyone, Bluepsotted Sunfish, Warmouth, and a Sawcheek Darter
#2
Posted 15 August 2016 - 02:32 PM
I hit the post button too soon,
We then headed to Brice Creek in the National Forest. Beautiful blackwater stream but not much in it. Got a beautiful Brown Water Snake
On to Island Creek, also in the Forest. It is unique in having exposed limestone outcrops. I was very optimistic as we jumped in but very few fish were to be seen. The one that got the group excited was an American Eel. But what got my heart pumping was a Cottonmouth in the water with us and not very happy with our presence.
We quietly slunk downstream and got out.
We then headed to Brice Creek in the National Forest. Beautiful blackwater stream but not much in it. Got a beautiful Brown Water Snake
On to Island Creek, also in the Forest. It is unique in having exposed limestone outcrops. I was very optimistic as we jumped in but very few fish were to be seen. The one that got the group excited was an American Eel. But what got my heart pumping was a Cottonmouth in the water with us and not very happy with our presence.
We quietly slunk downstream and got out.
#3
Posted 15 August 2016 - 02:43 PM
We decided to end the day on western Bogue Bank in the town of Emerald Isle. Scott had discovered the northernmost population
of Sailfin Molly in pools adjacent to a public boat ramp. In addition to mollies, we caught Mojarrs, Spot, Pinfish, Fat Sleeper,
Sheepshead Minnow, Mummichog, shrimp and crabs,
All in all a good day!
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