Where Can You Fish Without a License in North Carolina in 2024?

As of January 1, 2024, any person 16 and older fishing in North Carolina’s public waters (excluding private ponds) must have a fishing license. This requirement was established in 2007 and remains in effect today. Additionally, anglers fishing with natural bait are no longer able to fish in public inland fishing waters in their county of residence without a license.

Types of Fishing Licenses in North Carolina

North Carolina offers several types of fishing licenses to accommodate different needs and preferences:

Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL): This license is required for fishing in coastal waters and can be purchased on a 10-day, annual, or lifetime basis.
Inland Fishing License: This license is required for fishing in inland waters and can be purchased on an annual or lifetime basis.
Sportsman License: This license combines the Inland Fishing License with hunting privileges and can be purchased on an annual or lifetime basis.

Certain individuals may be exempt from purchasing a fishing license, such as those under 16 years of age, those with disabilities, and those fishing on a Fishing and Hunting Preserve.

Purchasing a Fishing License in North Carolina

Fishing licenses in North Carolina can be purchased through various channels:

Online: Licenses can be purchased through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
Retail Outlets: Licenses can be purchased from authorized agents, such as sporting goods stores and bait and tackle shops.
Telephone: Licenses can be purchased by calling the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

When purchasing a license, anglers will need to provide personal information, such as their name, date of birth, and address.

Penalties for Fishing Without a License

Fishing without a valid license in North Carolina can result in penalties:

Fines: Anglers caught fishing without a license may face fines of up to $500 per violation.
Jail Time: In some cases, fishing without a license can result in jail time.
License Revocation: Repeated violations may lead to the revocation of an angler’s fishing privileges.

It’s important for anglers to ensure they have a valid fishing license before heading out on the water to avoid these penalties.

Exceptions and Exemptions

While most anglers 16 and older must have a fishing license, there are some exceptions and exemptions:

Youth Fishing: Children under 16 years of age can fish without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult.
Fishing Tournaments: Anglers participating in certain fishing tournaments may be exempt from the license requirement.
Military Personnel: Active-duty military personnel stationed in North Carolina may be exempt from the license requirement.
Disabled Veterans: Disabled veterans may be eligible for discounted or free fishing licenses.

It’s important for anglers to check the specific rules and regulations for their fishing location and situation to ensure they are in compliance with the law.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, fishing without a valid license is illegal for most anglers 16 and older, with a few exceptions and exemptions. Licenses can be purchased through various channels and come in different types to suit different needs and preferences. Anglers caught fishing without a license may face fines, jail time, and license revocation. By understanding the fishing license requirements and purchasing a license when necessary, anglers can enjoy their sport while staying within the law.