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N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Marine Fisheries - License FAQ

Marine Fisheries

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fishing tackle box with license

Recreational Fishing License FAQs

Note: Read about block of Ten-Day CRFLS below

Sales Agents
The new license is available from WRC license agents throughout the state and at any DMF office. The number of license agents will be increased in coastal areas.

If I purchase the new CRFL does it allow me to fish in inland waters?
The CRFL allows you to fish in coastal and joint fishing waters, but not in inland or fresh waters. If you want a license to fish in all state waters, you may purchase a Unified Fishing License.

What constitutes a disabled veteran under this licensing structure?
To qualify for a Resident Disabled Veteran CRFL, you have to be a veteran that is 50 percent or more disabled as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The license remains valid for the lifetime of the liensee so long as the icensee remains 50 percent or more disabled.

What is the definition of totally disabled being used to qualify for the Resident Totally Disabled CRFL?
An individual has to be a resident of the state and totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration.

How do I qualify for a fishing license subsistence waiver?
A county Department of Social Services will issue a waiver to any individual who receives benefits from Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance through that county’s Department of Social Services upon request.

If I am an ocean pier owner or a for-hire boat operator, do I have to purchase the CRFL blanket license?
The blanket license is optional for piers and for-hire boat operators. It is entirely up to these operators if they want to purchase a blanket license, otherwise their fishing patronsmust hold their own individual licenses.

Are fishermen who use gigs to recreationally harvest fish required to have this license?
Yes.

I harvest oysters and clams recreationally, do I have to have this license?
No. The CRFL is only required for the recreational taking of finfish.

If I take my wife and a 13-year-old son out fishing with me, do we all have to have the CRFL, or will my license cover everyone?
Anyone under the age of 16 is not required to have a license to recreationally take finfish in coastal waters. If you and your wife are both fishing, you will both need a license.

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