If you’re planning on going fishing in North Carolina, then the first thing you’ll need is the correct license. Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered in our comprehensive guide to North Carolina fishing licenses and permits.
In the following guide to buying a fishing permit in North Carolina, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
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Types of Fishing Licenses
North Carolina offers a variety of different fishing licenses, including those for both residents and non-residents. These include:
- Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Inland.
- Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Coastal.
- Non-Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Inland.
- Non-Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Coastal.
- Resident Annual NC Inland.
- Non-Resident Annual NC Coastal.
- Resident Annual Coastal and Inland Combination.
- Lifetime NC (which is aged-based).
North Carolina also offers several discounted licenses. These include:
- Disabled Veteran Inland for those (50 percent or more disabled).
- Disabled Veteran Coastal for those (50 percent or more disabled).
- Disabled Inland.
- Disabled Coastal.
- Legally Blind Combination (Inland and coastal).
- Adult Care Home Combination (Inland and coastal).
To get a full breakdown of the different licenses and exemptions or to stay up to date with any changes to regulations, please visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
Cost of Fishing Licenses
North Carolina offers various fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents. Please note license costs and fees are subject to change.
Money raised from the purchase of licenses goes directly back into ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the fishery remains healthy for many generations to come.
Costs of Licenses:
- $9 – Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Inland.
- $6 – Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Coastal.
- $23 – Non-Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Inland.
- $11 – Non-Resident Short-Term NC 10-Day Coastal.
- $25 – Resident Annual NC Inland.
- $16 – Resident Annual NC Coastal.
- $45 – Non-Resident Annual NC Inland.
- $32 – Non-Resident Annual NC Coastal.
- $41 – Resident Annual Coastal and Inland Combination.
- Lifetime NC (which is aged-based).
North Carolina also offers several discounted licenses. These include:
- Disabled Veteran Inland for those (50 percent or more disabled).
- Disabled Veteran Coastal for those (50 percent or more disabled).
- Disabled Inland
- Disabled Coastal
- Legally Blind Combination (Inland and coastal).
- Adult Care Home Combination (Inland and coastal).
To get a full breakdown of the different licenses and exemptions or to stay up to date with any changes to regulations, please visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
Age Requirements for Fishing License
Any anglers under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a fishing license in North Carolina or a Trout stamp. If you plan on taking a youth angler fishing and want to fish yourself, you must purchase a fishing license.
Taking young anglers fishing at a young age is a fantastic way to ensure that we have a healthy group of future anglers committed to persevering with the great fishing opportunities in North Carolina.
Each year, on July 4th, as part of Independence Day celebrations, North Carolina offers all residents the opportunity to fish for free. The free fishing day is sponsored by the NC. Wildlife Resources Commission. Please note that all bag, size, season, and location limits and closures still apply on free fishing days.
Where to Obtain a Fishing License
When it comes to purchasing a fishing license in North Carolina, anglers have several convenient options, including:
- You can purchase them online via the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
- With a credit card by phoning 888-248-6834.
- In person at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission or one of the many licensed service agents located conveniently throughout the state.
Regardless of how you wish to purchase your angling permit in NC, you will need to have a valid photo ID.
Complete Guide to North Carolina Fishing Licenses – Conclusion
When you purchase a fishing license or permit in North Carolina, funds raised go directly back into ongoing conservation efforts and programs to ensure the health of the fishery for many years to come. We can all help out by adhering to size, bag, and season limits, along with cleaning up after ourselves and returning any unwanted fish back to the water in a healthy condition.
The Fishbox App utilizes the latest in forecasting technology, which allows anglers to accurately track all weather conditions and then predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App uses in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to tell you the best time to go fishing and when you’re better off cleaning your rods and reels.
If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in North Carolina, just drop a comment below. We’re happy to answer any questions and love to read feedback from followers.