North Carolina
Fishing License 2026.

License required?

Yes

Where to apply?

NC Wildlife Resources Commission (inland) + NC Division of Marine Fisheries (coastal). Two separate licenses.

Cost

Resident inland annual: $25. Non-resident inland annual: $45. Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) resident: $16 / non-res: $32 annual, $8 / $16 for 10-day. Unified resident (both): $40. Senior (65+) resident lifetime: $15.

Validity

Annual (from date of purchase) or 10-day

Available online?

Yes

Split license system — inland (lakes/rivers, WRC) and coastal (Atlantic + sounds, MF). Most non-residents need BOTH for full coverage. Required for ages 16+. Separate 'Trout Waters' regulations — stocked trout ($9/year add-on for designated waters).

Closed seasons

Cobia: 1/day 36" min, May–September mostly. Striped bass (coastal): varies by zone. Flounder: very restricted in 2025-2026 (likely continues). Trout: year-round on most stocked waters, some delayed-harvest.

Catch limits

Red drum: 1/day 18–27" slot. Spanish mackerel: 15/day. Cobia: 1/day 36". Largemouth bass: 5/day 14" min.

Prohibited methods

Gigging flounder prohibited during closures. Special regulations on Roanoke River (striped bass).

Catch & Release

Striped bass released over slot or during closures. Gulf/Atlantic sturgeon no-take.

Outer Banks is the #1 coastal fishing destination in the Mid-Atlantic. Cape Hatteras for striped bass + red drum blitzes. Roanoke River striped bass (landlocked migration) is a spring event.

Best season

Red drum Outer Banks: April–November (peak October). Cobia: May–June. Striped bass Roanoke River: April–June. Mountain trout: April–October.

Freshwater

Blue Ridge trout streams (Nantahala, Davidson). Piedmont reservoirs (Norman, Falls, Jordan) for bass.

Saltwater

300 miles of Atlantic coastline + intricate sound system (Pamlico, Albemarle). Gulf Stream ~50 miles offshore Hatteras for blue marlin/tuna.

Equipment

Cabela's in Garner. Countless tackle shops on Outer Banks. Fly shops in Asheville + Brevard (Blue Ridge).

Fishing guides

$400–$700/day inshore. $1,200–$2,500 offshore Gulf Stream (Hatteras fleet). $300–$500 mountain trout guide.

Transport

CLT, RDU, GSO, ILM, OAJ. Outer Banks requires drive from Norfolk VA (ORF) or 3h+ from Raleigh. Ferry for Ocracoke Island.

Safety

Rip currents on Outer Banks — always check flags. Hurricane season Jun–Nov. Brown recluse spiders in Piedmont. Mountain trout streams can be slippery.

License fees

$8–$45 depending on water + duration + residency; $40 unified resident

Guide prices

$300–$700 inshore/mountain; $1,200–$2,500 offshore

Daily budget

Budget: $100–$150/day. Charter: $500–$2,500/day.