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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- Commercial fishermen want state leaders to drop a bill that would classify certain fish as "game fish." That was a clear message to House Speaker Thom Tillis at a town hall meeting in Jacksonville Thursday night.

A House bill in the General Assembly would designate "game fish" status for red drum, spotted sea trout and striped bass. If it passed, commercial fishermen would not be allowed to catch them and fish markets couldn't sell them.

Supporters say the measure is needed to prevent overfishing these species. Tillis said recreational and commercial fishermen need to find a compromise.

"I think we can manage the process that will get us to something that's fair, that not everyone will be completely happy with but will ultimately make it less likely the commercial fishing industry suffers in North Carolina," he said.

The town hall meeting did draw a small group of protestors. They want to highlight what they say are negative effects of decisions made by the General Assembly on North Carolina schools.