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RALEIGH, N.C. (June 18) – Reeling in a fish — whether it’s a monster striper on the Roanoke River or a 5-inch shellcracker from a local pond — is a thrill, no matter what your age or skill level. On July 4, anglers and would-be anglers of all ages are encouraged to get out and go fishing — for free! From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., anglers can fish any water in the state without having to purchase a license or trout stamp. However, all other fishing regulations apply, such as size and creel limits as well as bait and tackle restrictions. In anticipation of the free fishing day, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has stocked a variety of catchable-sized fish in waters across the state, from trout in the mountains to channel catfish, bluegill and other sunfish in the Piedmont and coastal regions, according to Bob Curry, program manager for the Commission’s Division of Inland Fisheries. “We stock waters so anglers of all ages and skill levels have an excellent chance of catching fish,” Curry said. “The purpose of a free fishing day is to get people hooked on fishing. The more positive a fishing experience is, the more likely a person will continue fishing.”
The Commission has made finding a fishing hole easy by establishing and maintaining Public Fishing Access (PFA) areas and Community Fishing Program (CFP) sites across the state. PFA areas provide free fishing opportunities from the banks of North Carolina’s waters. The Commission clears the banks of underbrush and, in some cases, constructs handicapped-accessible fishing piers, installs fish attractors, and baits the areas with grain or fish feed. CFP sites are intensively managed bodies of water receiving monthly stockings of catchable-sized catfish from April-September. Many sites also feature handicapped-accessible fishing piers and solar-powered fish feeders to make fishing more enjoyable for all anglers. In addition, the Commission’s Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, available at many CFP sites, allows anglers to borrow rods and reels for free for the day. North Carolina residents, age 16 and older who are interested in fishing the remaining 364 days of the year, can purchase a fishing license for $15. A lifetime comprehensive fishing license is $250. Licenses can be purchased online or from any of the Commission’s 1,100 wildlife service agents located in bait-and-tackle stores and sporting goods departments across the state. To find out about
North Carolina’s
fishing regulations and seasons, pick up a copy of the N.C.
Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Digest available wherever fishing licenses are sold. For more information
on fishing in North Carolina, visit
the Fishing section, or call the
Commission's Division of Inland Fisheries,
919-733-3633. | ||||||
