In North Carolina, fishing regulations require individuals aged 16 and older to possess a valid fishing license when fishing in public waters using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish. However, there are some exceptions and discounts available for senior citizens.
Fishing License Requirements for Seniors in North Carolina
Senior citizens in North Carolina are required to have a fishing license, but there are several options available to them, including discounted and lifetime licenses.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission offers the following fishing license options for seniors:
Senior Lifetime Inland Fishing License: $16 for North Carolina residents aged 70 and older
Senior Lifetime Coastal Fishing License: $16 for North Carolina residents aged 70 and older
Senior Lifetime Inland and Coastal Fishing License: $32 for North Carolina residents aged 70 and older
These lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder and do not need to be renewed annually.
Eligibility for Free and Discounted Fishing Licenses
In addition to discounted senior licenses, North Carolina offers free fishing licenses to certain groups of residents:
Legally blind individuals: Free lifetime inland and coastal fishing license
Residents of adult care homes: Free lifetime inland and coastal fishing license
Individuals who rely on fishing for food: Free Unified Lifetime Fishing License
Discounted lifetime fishing licenses are also available for $11 (plus a $2 processing fee) to North Carolina residents who are permanently and totally disabled or resident veterans who are 50% or more disabled.
Where to Purchase a North Carolina Fishing License
North Carolina fishing licenses can be purchased through several convenient methods:
Online: Licenses can be purchased online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com, with a $2 transaction fee
By phone: Licenses can be purchased by calling 888-248-6834 during business hours (8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday)
In person: Licenses can be purchased from registered vendors, such as tackle shops, hardware stores, and retailers like Walmart
When purchasing a license in person, it is available immediately. For online and phone purchases, the license will be mailed to the buyer, but they can begin fishing right away using the license number and a valid form of identification.
Exceptions to the Fishing License Requirement
While most individuals aged 16 and older must have a fishing license to fish in North Carolina’s public waters, there are a few exceptions:
Fishing in private ponds: No license is required for fishing in privately owned bodies of water
Fishing in certain border waters: No license is required for fishing in border waters shared with other states, such as the Chatuge Reservoir and its tributaries (Georgia), Slick Rock Creek and Calderwood Reservoir (Tennessee), and Kerr and Gaston Reservoirs, the Dan River, and the confluence of the New and Little Rivers (Virginia)
It’s important to note that private waters open to the public through agreements or leases do require a fishing license.
Importance of Fishing Licenses
Purchasing a fishing license in North Carolina serves several important purposes:
Compliance with the law: Fishing without a license can result in hefty fines and potential criminal charges
Support for conservation efforts: Proceeds from fishing licenses help fund various conservation initiatives by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Economic impact: In 2022, North Carolina resident and out-of-state anglers contributed a total economic impact of $1.38 billion
Whether you’re a senior citizen or a younger angler, it’s crucial to understand and comply with North Carolina’s fishing license requirements to ensure the sustainability of the state’s fisheries and enjoy a safe, legal fishing experience.