Fishing is a popular pastime in North Carolina, with the state offering a diverse array of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, you’ll need a valid fishing license to legally fish in North Carolina waters. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the costs and requirements for obtaining a North Carolina fishing license in 2024.
Temporary Fishing Licenses
North Carolina offers temporary fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents. These licenses are valid for a specific number of days and are ideal for visitors or those who don’t fish frequently.
Temporary licenses come in two varieties: coastal and inland. Coastal licenses are required for fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, coastal waters, and joint waters. Inland licenses are required for fishing in freshwater and joint waters.
The cost of a temporary fishing license varies based on the type of license and the duration. Here’s a breakdown of the prices:
| License | Cost for Resident | Cost for Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Coastal | $6 | $11 |
| Annual Coastal | $16 | $32 |
| 10-Day Inland | $9 | $23 |
| Annual Inland | $25 | $45 |
Temporary licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or from authorized vendors such as Walmart stores in North Carolina.
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
For those who plan to fish regularly, a lifetime fishing license may be a more cost-effective option. North Carolina offers lifetime licenses for both residents and non-residents, with varying prices based on the license type and the purchaser’s age.
Lifetime licenses are available for inland fishing, coastal fishing, and a combined “unified” license that covers both. Here are the costs for lifetime licenses:
| License | Cost for Residents | Cost for Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Inland (Adult) | $265 | N/A |
| Inland (Senior) | $16 | N/A |
| Coastal (under 1) | $106 | $106 |
| Coastal (1-11) | $159 | $159 |
| Coastal (12 ) | $265 | $530 |
| Coastal (Senior) | $16 | N/A |
| Unified | $477 | N/A |
Lifetime licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or from authorized vendors.
Free and Reduced-Fee Licenses
North Carolina offers free and reduced-fee fishing licenses to certain groups, including:
- NC residents who rely on fishing for food
- NC residents who are legally blind
- Residents in NC care homes
- Residents who are permanently and totally disabled
- Resident veterans who are 50% or more disabled
These special licenses can be obtained by contacting the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Trout Stamps and Other Requirements
In addition to a fishing license, anglers may need to purchase additional stamps or permits depending on the type of fishing they plan to do. For example, a trout stamp is required for fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters. However, as of 2024, the trout stamp requirement has been eliminated, and the inland fishing license now includes the ability to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters.
It’s important to note that anglers under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license. However, they may need to purchase a trout stamp if fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or from authorized vendors such as Walmart stores in North Carolina. When purchasing a license, anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, and proof of residency (if applicable). Licenses can be printed immediately after purchase or mailed to the angler’s address.
In conclusion, obtaining a North Carolina fishing license is a straightforward process that ensures anglers can enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities while adhering to regulations. By understanding the different license types, costs, and requirements, anglers can make an informed decision about which license best suits their needs.