Where the local freshwater and saltwater fish are biting.

Both sides on the gun-control debate say shooting sports can be safe family entertainment.

The fishing crew from the 2010 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament angling to claim nearly a million dollars in prize money won part of its fight this week, but a larger legal battle looms.

Outdoors Notebook:  Sometimes, Eric Silva deals in memories. The rest of the time, it's fishing reels. Old ones. The Morrisville resident sells used reels, rods and vintage lures, plus a few military items, on flea market days at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Vendors and collectors find a community among other lovers of products by such makers as Penn, Mitchell and Shimano.

A rundown of which fish are biting in freshwater and saltwater locations in the area.

The group of 11 hikers was sloshing through knee-deep, muddy water on the Florida Trail south of U.S. 41 when an elderly lady announced, almost casually, "Snake."

Notebook:  The Water’s Edge Caddy is the result of Holt’s desire to have a sturdy, affordable carryall that could be wheeled to the edge of a pond, lake, river or ocean or to a favorite hunting spot.

Conditions in North Carolina waters

There are several options; mounts made from the actual skin of the fish, molded reproductions from an actual fish and reproductions from pictures and measurements, and fading memories.

With temperatures in the 70s forecast for this weekend, some fishing fans might be tempted to spend time on the water. But many will spend time exploring the Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo being held Friday through Sunday at the State Fairgrounds at Raleigh.

Area fishing report

North Carolina Supreme Court justices heard legal arguments Tuesday on the dispute over nearly $1 million in prize money hanging in limbo from the 2010 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.