Coastal Recreational Fishing License Required
           
For those boating, sailing or fishing through North Carolina, take note that the state now requires everyone ages 16 and above who fishes coastal waters to obtain a Coastal Recreational Fishing License which applies to all public waters in North Carolina including sounds, coastal rivers and their tributaries, pier fishing, surf fishing and all fishing from the shore out to three miles in the ocean.
           
The license can be purchased on a ten-day, annual or lifetime basis or can be combined with a variety of related licenses issued by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The new license is available from Wildlife Resources Commission agents (located in many area boat, tackle, dive and sports shops, supermarkets and area marinas). A list of license agents statewide can be found at ncwildlife.org.
           
For visitors and vacationers, ten-day licenses are $5 for state residents and $10 for non-residents. If you’re pier or charter fishing, ask if the business has a blanket license. Many piers and charters purchase these licenses on behalf of their guests.
           
Proceeds from the sale go to two marine resources funds managed by the state’s Marine Fisheries and Wildlife Resources commissions. Revenues from these funds must be used to manage, protect, restore, develop, cultivate, conserve and/or enhance North Carolina’s marine resources. For more information, visit ncfisheries.net or call 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632.

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Email your waterfront & coastal news to Waterfront editor Tricia Morris at waterfront@nccoast.com.