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North Carolina Department of Environment Quality

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

Marine Fisheries

Fishing License FAQs
 

Could a person fishing under a Ten-Day License purchased as part of a block use the license for surf fishing?
No. The license may only used aboard vessel for which the license is purchased.

I have a vessel registered in Virginia. Can I purchase a block of 10-day licenses?
No. Blocks of 10 Ten-Day CRFLS are available only to owners of vessels registered in North Carolina or documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.

What if I lose my license, are replacement licenses available?
Anglers who have lost their license may apply for a another license to be reissued for a $5 fee.

Can I sell my catch if I have a CRFL?
No, seafood harvested under this license is for personal consumption and cannot be sold.

I have a Standard Commercial Fishing License; do I still need a CRFL to go fishing for fun?
Yes, if you are recreationally fishing for finfish, you need the CRFL.

Which recreational gear use beside hook and line would require someone to purchase a CRFL?
Any type of recreational finfish harvest activity not included under the N.C. Recreational Commercial Gear License will require this license. This includes, but is not limited to spears, gigs, hook-and-line, bait-and-line, seines less than 30 feet, dip nets, landing nets ,and cast nets.

I have a Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL); do I still need a CRFL to go fishing for fun with a rod and reel?
Yes.

Do I need a CRFL to use a cast net to recreationally harvest fish?
Yes

Do I need a CRFL to use minnow traps to recreationally harvest fish?
Yes

Do I need a CRFL to catch shellfish recreationally?
No.

Do I need a Saltwater Fishing License to use a bait and line to catch crabs?
No.

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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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