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North Carolina Department of Environment Quality

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

Marine Fisheries

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If I am out fishing in the Pamilco Sound with my family, which consists of an 11-year old and a 17-year old, and I am the only one that has a CRFL, how many possession limits of fish can we keep?
Two, your possession limit and your 11-year-old’s possession limit. Your 17-year-old is required to have a CRFL to take finfish recreationally.

When did the Coastal Recreational Fishing License come into effect?
The license has been required since Jan.1, 2007.

Where can I purchase a license?
The license may be purchased or renewed at WRC license agents, which includes all DMF offices. Most Wal-Marts, along with most sports and bait and tackle shops, sell WRC licenses. The WRC also sells licenses through a toll-free number and on-line.

I have a lifetime hunting and fishing license issued by the WRC; will this license cover me in coastal waters?
Yes. All license holders who purchase a WRC Lifetime Sportsman or Lifetime Comprehensive fishing license prior to Jan.1, 2006, will be exempted from purchasing the CRFL.

Will I need a license to fish on a private or public pier?
Yes, unless the public pier has purchased a blanket license.

Will I need a license to fish from the shore?
Yes, if you are fishing recreationally for finfish in coastal waters, you will need a CRFL.

I live in a coastal county, but I have a private, freshwater pond on my property, that I have stocked, do I need a CRFL to fish from my pond?
No. Private, freshwater ponds are exempt from the licensing requirement.

If I have a CRFL, can people fish on my private boat without purchasing a license?
No, they must all have a license if you are fishing in coastal waters, unless they are under 16 years of age. After Jan. 1, 2009, owners of vessels greater than 23' in length may purchase blocks of ten 10-day CRFLs for $150.00 that they can issue to anglers aboard their vessel. Call a DMF license office for more information.

Must all 10 licenses purchased in a block of Ten-Day CRFLS be used together or at the same time?
No. Each Ten-Day License may be used individually for any 10 consecutive days.

Could a person fish for five days and another person fish the remaining 5 days using one Ten-Day CRFL?
No, a license may only be issued to one person.

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N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries • 3441 Arendell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632

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