Saltwater fishing licenses are necessity

By Courtesy NCWRC
Published in Sports on June 19, 2009 1:46 PM

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Courtesy NCWRC

RALEIGH -- The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is urging beach-bound anglers to purchase a saltwater fishing license, also known as a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL).

The Commission hopes that the anglers will buy the license before leaving home to avoid potential long lines at tackle and bait shops, sporting good stores and other wildlife service agent locations along the coast.

Anglers can purchase a license by:

* Calling the Wildlife Resources Commission at 1 (888) 248-6834. Hours of operation are: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week;

* Visiting a local Wildlife Service Agent. Most are located in bait-and-tackle shops, hunting and sporting good stores and larger chain stores.

Licenses can also be purchased at one of six Division of Marine Fisheries offices located along the coast.

A CRFL is required for anyone 16 years and older to fish recreationally in the state's coastal fishing waters, which include sounds, coastal rivers and their tributaries out to three miles into the ocean. Recreational anglers who catch fish from three miles to 200 miles offshore also need this license in order to transport fish back to the shore.

Prices for the CRFL vary depending on residency, age, duration and type of license purchased. For residents, the annual cost for a CRFL is $15 and just $5 for a 10-day license.

The annual cost for non-residents is $30 annually and $10 for a 10-day license.