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North Carolina Department of Environment Quality

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Marine Fisheries - Recreational Commercial Gear License

Marine Fisheries

recreational fishing

Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses and Permits

A number of fishing licenses and permits are available for the saltwater angler. Don't be confused — get the latest information on these topics by following the links below.

Buy a Coastal Recreational Fishing License

Visit one of the offices of the Division of Marine Fisheries to purchase a license in person. Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses are also available at many tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

Purchase a license online at the N.C. Wildlife website.
(NOTE: Clicking this link will take you to the N.C. Wildlife site — which is not part of the Division of Marine Fisheries. Once on the Wildlife site, click on the yellow "Purchase Licenses" button).
License details
What licenses do you need to do what?		 License types and fees
Find the cost of annual licenses, 10-day licenses, blanket licenses and more.

License FAQ
DMF answers the most commonly-asked questions
about licensing.

Recreational Fishing Tournament License

Coastal Recreational Fishing License
Exemption Permit

Bluefin and Billfish Permits
Planning on fishing for bluefin tuna or
swordfish? You'll need a permit from NMFS for that.
Freshwater Fishing Licenses
(North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission)		  
Recreational Commercial Gear License
Purchase this license if you plan to harvest seafood for personal consumption using commercial fishing gear.

Gill Nets

Crab Pots

Trawls:
Shrimp and Skimmer

Shrimp Pound

Trotlines

Seines

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

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