SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — This July 4 welcomes free fishing to all ages in North Carolina.
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Free Fishing Day starts at midnight on Independence Day and concludes at 11:59 p.m. By law, fishers 16 and older need to procure a license through the Division of Marine Fisheries or N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
However, in 1994 the N.C. General Assembly and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission started sponsoring North Carolina’s annual free fishing day, always July 4, to promote the sport of fishing.
Though license fees are dropped, all other fishing regulations apply — including length and daily possession, bait and tackle restrictions.
The commission stocks a variety of fish in statewide waters, such as trout and channel catfish. There are 500 public fishing and boating access areas free to the public and interactive maps on the website detailing fishing and boating areas.
As the holiday is one of the busiest for the state, the commission requests the following tips are followed when fishing and boating:
- Be patient and remain calm until an open parking space is available
- Wait your turn in the launch line; get in line without blocking or cutting off others
- Park your vehicle and trailer while someone moves the boat away from the ramp
- Recruit someone to move the boat away from the ramp while you retrieve your vehicle and trailer
- Observe no-wake zones and be cautious
To inquire about licenses on days other than Free Fishing Day, call 888-248-6834, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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