Alligator River/Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge P. O. Box 1969 Manteo, North Carolina 27954 Contact: Bonnie Strawser - 252-473-1131 Back to News Home Page

News Release

Photo credit: FWS
The Annual Crabbing/Fishing Rodeo on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, schedule for Saturday, June 10 from 9am until noon, is a highlight of the year for many local families and visitors, as well.

PEA ISLAND - The annual Fishing and Crabbing Rodeo, one of the most looked forward to events for families on the Outer Banks, will be held Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

This is the only day that North Pond, directly behind the Pea Island Visitor Center, is open to the public for crabbing and fishing, according to Bonnie Strawser, Interpretive Specialist for the wildlife refuge. The event is sponsored annually by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This year’s co-sponsor is the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society.

Billed as a family event, the annual fishing and crabbing outing attracts hundreds of young and young-at-heart trying their luck at netting, reeling in, capturing, or otherwise legally bringing home a seafood dinner. Registration for the prize drawing will be held at the Visitor Center from 9 a.m. until noon, with every child 12 years of age and under guaranteed to win a prize in a random drawing.

"The real focus for this day is family fun in the great outdoors. We're so blessed on the Outer Banks to have such wonderful and diverse natural resources. On this day, folks can catch what has to be some of the biggest crabs in the area," Ms.Strawser said, noting that the North Pond is traditionally off limits to all but the migrating birds. "We invite all participants to bring crab nets, fishing lines, rods, bait, tackle, and whatever else they think will help them have a memorable day." The Interpretive Specialist also stressed the importance of bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, food, and drink to insure a pleasant morning, and reminded everyone of the 50 crab per person State limit for crabs.

Persons needing further information are invited to call the Pea Island Visitor Center at 987-2394 between 9 a.m.and 5 p.m.

"The purpose of the Fishing and Crabbing Rodeo is to give families an opportunity to come out and enjoy nature at its best in a prime setting," Ms Strawser said. "It also gives them an opportunity to visit Pea Island, a wildlife refuge that offers spectacular trails for viewing birds and other wildlife generally found in the area. The miles of ocean-front also enable families to enjoy the solitude of a beautiful beach on the Outer Banks. We want America to get to know refuges!"

The National Wildlife Refuge System is in its second 100 years of protecting hundreds of wild species, including our national symbol, the bald eagle. As the National Wildlife Refuge System enters its second century, it comprises nearly 100 million acres, protected within more than 540 refuges and thousands of small prairie wetlands.

Wildlife refuges provide unparalleled outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, environmental education, wildlife observation, and photography, making them special places for all Americans to connect with nature. Many refuges also offer opportunities for nature hikes, bird tours, wildlife drives and other activities. There are wildlife refuges in every state, and at least one within an hour's drive of most major cities.