Recreational anglers in South Carolina have an opportunity to contribute to scientific research and potentially win prizes by donating flounder carcasses during the upcoming 2026 season. The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will collect these carcasses from September 1-14 in joint and coastal waters to support research efforts.
Anglers who donate flounder carcasses and accurately complete a catch card for each fish will be entered into a drawing to win one of five tackle bags. These bags are stocked with fishing line, lures, and other merchandise, with a limit of one prize per person. Catch cards and necessary donation supplies are available at all collection sites.
The Division of Marine Fisheries has established five temporary donation locations in addition to seven year-round carcass collection sites. These temporary locations include Carolina Beach Municipal Docks in Carolina Beach, Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle in Atlantic Beach, Intracoastal Angler in Wilmington, Ocean Isle Fishing Center in Ocean Isle Beach, and Quarter Deck in Bath.
Year-round collection points are located at Cape Pointe Marina in Harkers Island, Clem’s Seafood in Southport, Eastern Outfitters in Hampstead, Eastside Bait & Tackle in Washington, Frisco Rod & Gun in Frisco, Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters in Morehead City.
When preparing fish for donation, anglers should ensure the head and tail remain intact. If possible, the guts and reproductive organs should also be left in the fish. Anglers who use charter or head boats are advised to inform their fish cleaner about the intention to donate the carcass.
Division biologists will analyze the donated fish by measuring them, determining their sex when feasible, and removing otoliths, or ear bones, to ascertain the fish’s age. This data will be crucial for future flounder stock assessments. The 2026 recreational flounder season begins at 12:01 a.m. on September 1 and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on September 14. Anglers are permitted to keep one fish per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 15 inches total length.
