If you’re planning to go fishing in North Carolina, it’s important to understand the state’s fishing license requirements and costs. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, you’ll need to purchase a license to fish legally in North Carolina’s waters.
Inland Fishing Licenses
For inland fishing, which includes fishing in freshwater lakes and rivers, North Carolina offers both annual and temporary licenses for residents and non-residents.
Residents of North Carolina can purchase an annual inland fishing license for $25.00. This license allows them to fish in all inland waters, including public mountain trout waters, for one year from the date of purchase.
Non-residents, on the other hand, can purchase an annual inland fishing license for $45.00. This license provides the same privileges as the resident license, allowing non-residents to fish in all inland waters for one year.
In addition to annual licenses, North Carolina also offers 10-day temporary inland fishing licenses. Residents can purchase a 10-day license for $9.00, while non-residents pay $23.00.
Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses
For fishing in coastal waters, including sounds, bays, and the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina offers coastal recreational fishing licenses.
Residents of North Carolina can purchase an annual coastal recreational fishing license for $16.00. This license allows them to fish in all coastal waters for one year.
Non-residents can purchase an annual coastal recreational fishing license for $32.00. This license provides the same privileges as the resident license, allowing non-residents to fish in all coastal waters for one year.
North Carolina also offers a 10-day temporary coastal recreational fishing license. Residents can purchase a 10-day license for $6.00, while non-residents pay $11.00.
Unified Licenses
For anglers who plan to fish in both inland and coastal waters, North Carolina offers a unified license. This license combines the privileges of both the inland and coastal recreational fishing licenses.
Residents of North Carolina can purchase an annual unified coastal recreational/inland fishing license for $41.00. This license allows them to fish in all inland and coastal waters for one year.
Non-residents are not eligible for the unified license, as it is only available to North Carolina residents.
Lifetime Licenses
In addition to annual and temporary licenses, North Carolina also offers lifetime fishing licenses. These licenses provide fishing privileges for the lifetime of the license holder.
Residents of North Carolina can purchase a lifetime inland fishing license for $265.00. For seniors (65 and over if born before August 1, 1953, or 70 otherwise), the lifetime inland fishing license costs only $16.00.
Lifetime coastal recreational fishing licenses are also available for residents. The cost varies based on the age of the license holder. For infants (under 1 year old), the license costs $106.00. For children aged 1-11, the license costs $159.00. For individuals 12 and older, the license costs $265.00. For seniors (65 and over if born before August 1, 1953, or 70 otherwise), the license costs only $16.00.
North Carolina also offers a lifetime unified coastal recreational/inland fishing license for residents. This license combines the privileges of both the lifetime inland and coastal recreational fishing licenses and costs $477.00.
Where to Purchase Licenses
Fishing licenses in North Carolina can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at authorized license agents. Many tackle shops, hardware stores, and retailers like Walmart sell fishing licenses.
When purchasing a license online or by phone, a transaction fee may apply. Licenses purchased in person are available immediately, while licenses purchased online or by phone are mailed to the license holder.
It’s important to note that some licenses, such as youth, infant, and disabled lifetime licenses, can only be purchased by phone or in person at an authorized license agent.
Exemptions and Discounts
North Carolina offers free and reduced-fee fishing licenses to certain groups, including:
- Residents who rely on fishing for food (free unified lifetime license)
- Residents who are legally blind (free unified lifetime license)
- Residents in care homes (free unified lifetime license)
- Residents who are permanently and totally disabled (unified lifetime license for $11 plus $2 processing fee)
- Resident veterans who are 50% or more disabled (unified lifetime license for $11 plus $2 processing fee)
To qualify for these exemptions and discounts, anglers must provide proof of eligibility.
In conclusion, understanding the cost and requirements of fishing licenses in North Carolina is essential for both residents and non-residents who plan to fish in the state’s waters. By purchasing the appropriate license and adhering to the regulations, anglers can enjoy fishing in North Carolina while staying within the law.