The North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL),
administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), was effective January 1, 2007. This license can be purchased on a 10-day, annual or lifetime basis, or combined with a variety of licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC.)
Requirements
This license allows recreational fishermen to take finfish for personal consumption; finfish harvested under this license cannot be sold. Fishermen using this license are held to the state's recreational size and possession limits.
The license is required to recreationally take finfish in the state's Coastal Fishing Waters, which include sounds, coastal rivers and their tributaries, out to three miles in the ocean. Recreational anglers who catch fish in the ocean will be required to have this license to land fish. Fishing in Joint Waters (areas managed by both the Marine Fisheries and the Wildlife Resources commissions) will require either this or a WRC inland fishing license.
Exemptions
- Individuals under 16 years of age
- Individuals who purchase any of the following WRC licenses prior to Jan. 1, 2006:
- All categories of Lifetime Sportsman licenses
- Lifetime Resident Comprehensive Fishing License
- Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Resident Sportsman
- Disabled Resident Sportsman
- Lifetime Fishing License for the Legally Blind
- Adult Care Home Resident Fishing License
- Blanket Licenses - Operators of For-hire vessels and owners or operators of ocean fishing piers have the option to purchase a blanket license to cover their fishing patrons.
Waivers
A free license waiver will be available for subsistence anglers from their local Department of Social Services.
Purchasing a License
The new license will be available from any DMF office, WRC license agents (which include most Wal-Mart stores), and bait-and-tackle shops, hunting and sporting good stores and online at the
Wildlife Resources Commission website or by calling toll-free at 888-258-6834.
Annual License
State Residents*, age 16 or older - $15
Non-residents, age 16 or older - $30
10-day License
State Residents*, age 16 or older - $5
Nonresidents, age 16 or older - $10
Marine Resources Funds
Proceeds from the sale of this license will go into two marine resources funds managed by the state's Marine Fisheries and Wildlife Resources Commissions. Revenues must be used to manage, protect, restore, develop, cultivate, conserve and /or enhance North Carolina's marine resources. More information is available at the
North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License website.
Outer Banks Bait and Tackle Shops
Full-service tackle shops are scattered from Corolla to Ocracoke. They are good sources for not only rods, reels, bait and other fishing equipment and accessories, but also for tips on what's biting and where. You'll find bait and tackle at all Outer Banks fishing piers and most marinas too. Just about every department store and general store on the barrier islands carries some sort of fishing gear, and many shops also offer tackle rental. You can ask for guide information at any one of the shops listed below.
| Angler's Fish-N-Mate® |
Wanchese, NC |
888-RODRACK |
| Bob's Bait & Tackle |
Duck, NC |
252-261-8589 |
| Currituck Sports |
Maple, NC |
252-453-2302 |
| Dillon's Corner |
Buxton, NC |
252-995-5083 |
| The Fishin' Hole |
Salvo, NC |
252-987-2351 |
| Outer Banks Fishing Unlimited |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-5028 |
| Frank & Fran's Fisherman Friend |
Avon, NC |
252-995-4171 |
| Frisco Rod & Gun |
Frisco, NC |
252-995-5366 |
| Harbor Welding |
Wanchese, NC |
252-473-3777 |
| Hatteras Landing Provision Co. |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2205 |
| Hatteras Lures, Inc. |
Frisco, NC |
252-995-7744 |
| Lighthouse Tackle |
Buxton, NC |
252-995-3000 |
| O'Neals Dockside Tackle Shop |
Ocracoke, NC |
252-928-1111 |
| Teach's Lair Tackle Shop |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2460 |
| Ray's Racks |
Manns Harbor, NC |
252-473-6900 |
| The Red Drum Tackle Shop |
Buxton, NC |
252-995-5414 |
| Stop-N-Shop Convenience |
Kill Devil Hills, NC |
252-441-6105 |
| TI's Bait & Tackle |
Kitty Hawk, NC |
252-441-3166 |
| Tradewinds Tackle Shop |
Ocracoke, NC |
252-928-5491 |
| TW's Bait & Tackle |
Corolla, NC |
252-453-3339 |
| TW's Bait & Tackle |
Kitty Hawk, NC |
252-261-7848 |
| TW's Bait & Tackle |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-4807 |
| Whalebone Tackle |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-7413 |
Outer Banks Marinas
The Outer Banks is dotted with more than a half-dozen marinas that can help you book a charter for nshore or offshore fishing. You can call any of these marinas and request a particular captain or boat. If you are new in town, you'll be glad to know that the marinas book reputable captains on a rotating basis. While personalities vary, rarely does dependability.
If you want to ensure that you get to go fishing, especially during the busy holiday periods, it's wise to call at least a month in advance to make sure you get on board. The marinas stay open year-round, so you can call well in advance of your trip if you know when you'll be vacationing here. Don't be afraid to ask questions (the marina personnel are very helpful), but if you wish to have a lengthy conversation, reservationists have more time to chat during the off-season.
Makeup parties are available for folks who want to hook up with a group to make six. If everything is booked up, ask to be put on a waiting list. The list below represents some of the choices in marinas on the Outer Banks.
| Pirate's Cove Marina |
Nags Head/Manteo Causeway |
Manteo, NC |
252-473-3906 |
| Thicket Lump Marina |
212 Thicket Lump Road |
Wanchese, NC |
252-473-4500 |
| Broad Creek Fishing Center & Marina |
708 Harbor Road |
Wanchese, NC |
252-473-9991 |
| Oregon Inlet Fishing Center |
NC Highway 12 |
Bodie Island, NC |
252-441-6301 |
| Frisco Cove Marina |
NC Highway 12 |
Frisco, NC |
252-995-4242 |
| Hatteras Harbor Marina |
NC Highway 12 |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2166 |
| Hatteras Landing Marina |
NC Highway 12 |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2205 |
| Oden's Dock Marina |
NC Highway 12 |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2555 |
| Teach's Lair Marina |
NC Highway 12 |
Hatteras, NC, |
252-986-2460 |
| The Anchorage Inn & Marina |
NC Highway 12 |
Ocracoke, NC |
252-928-6661 |
Outer Banks Pier Fishing
Pier fishing is a true Outer Banks institution and has delighted anglers young and old for more than 50 years. The appeal is obvious: low cost and a chance to fish deeper waters without a boat. The variety of fish available also lures anglers. Depending on the ime of year, you can catch croakers, spot, sea mullet, red drum, cobia, and occasionally a tarpon, king mackerel, sheepshead, or amberjack.
Outer Banks Official Weigh Stations
| Avalon Fishing Pier |
Kill Devil Hills, NC |
252-441-7494 |
| Avon Shopping Center |
Avon, NC |
252-995-5362 |
| Bob's Bait & Tackle |
Duck, NC |
252-261-8589 |
| Buxton Under The Sun Supply |
Buxton, NC |
252-995-6047 |
| Cape Hatteras Fishing Pier |
Frisco, NC |
252-986-2533 |
| Dillon's Corner |
Buxton, NC |
252-995-5083 |
| The Fishin' Hole |
Salvo, NC |
252-987-2351 |
| Outer Banks Fishing Unlimited |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-5028 |
| Frank & Fran's Fisherman Friend |
Avon, NC |
252-995-4171 |
| Frisco Rod & Gun |
Frisco, NC |
252-995-5366 |
| Hatteras Harbor Marina |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2166 |
| Hatteras Island Fishing Pier |
Rodanthe, NC |
252-987-2323 |
| Hatteras Marlin Club |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2454 |
| Mac's Tackle |
Rodanthe, NC |
252-987-2239 |
| Nags Head Pier |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-5141 |
| Oden's Dock Marina |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2555 |
| O'Neals Dockside Tackle Shop |
Ocracoke, NC |
252-928-1111 |
| Oregon Inlet Fishing Center |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-6301 |
| Outer Banks Fishing Pier |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-5740 |
| Pirate's Cove Marina |
Manteo, NC |
252-473-3906 |
| The Red Drum Tackle Shop |
Buxton, NC |
252-995-5414 |
| Teach's Lair Tackle Shop |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2460 |
| TI's Bait & Tackle
| Kitty Hawk, NC |
252-441-3166 |
| Tradewinds Tackle Shop |
Ocracoke, NC |
252-928-5491 |
| TW's Bait & Tackle |
Corolla, NC |
252-453-3339 |
| TW's Bait & Tackle |
Kitty Hawk, NC |
252-261-7848 |
| Village Marina |
Hatteras, NC |
252-986-2522 |
| Whalebone Tackle |
Nags Head, NC |
252-441-7413 |
Outer Banks Fishing Reports
For the latest word on what's biting, check with one of the local tackle shops listed above or one of the following sources:
- Reel Buzz - the site for fishing reports, charter boat listings, weather information, beach driving rules, surf and pier reports and more.
- Godspeed Charters - fishing report from Cape Hatteras.
Outer Banks Headboat Fishing
Headboat fishing can give you an offshore experience without the expense of chartering a boat (see our "Inshore Fishing" section on headboat fishing). Several large boats take parties, charging "by the head," offshore all day. While you won't be targeting tuna here, you still have the chance for lentiful catches of a variety of bottom species, fine-tasting fish in their own right, including black sea bass, triggerfish, tilefish, amberjack, tautog, grouper, and snapper. The species vary slightly from north to south. Occasionally small sharks are hooked over the wrecks, and once in a while you'll run into some bigger game fish, but you're generally dropping a line over the side into the artificial and natural reefs or wrecks, and not trolling.
The boats are open from stern to bow to hold anglers comfortably, and all the gear is supplied. All you have to bring is a cooler with food and drinks, sunscreen, and a jacket in case the weather changes. Anglers don't need fishing licenses.
If you're venturing out in winter months, dress in layers. If you're near the Gulf Stream and the wind is blowing over it in your direction, then you may be able to strip down to a t-shirt. Most of the headboats that go offshore have heat in the salon or an area that can be shut off from the cold air.
Many parents want their children to experience an offshore trip, and that's understandable. You not only fish but often get to see whales, turtles, and dolphin. Please think carefully before you take a really young tyke offshore. The day is long, approximately 10 hours, and the captain will not turn around except in an emergency. Emergencies do not include seasickness. The boat's deck can be slippery, and the water can be choppy. Life vests are available.
Outer Banks General Fishing Information
Whether you venture out to sea or remain with your feet in the sand, you're bound to have a memorable experience. If you decide to fish without a guide or charter captain, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, (800) 682-2632, is a font of information. It's your resource for all available licenses, including recreational, commercial gear, and standard commercial licenses. A icense to land flounder is only available through this Morehead City office. The division publishes an annual recreational fishing handbook, the 2000 North Carolina Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen, a comprehensive guide to licenses, limits, and sizes. The helpful staff will also direct you to the appropriate contacts for obtaining federal permits for tuna and other controlled species.
For information on freshwater fishing permits and regulations, you'll need to contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in Raleigh. The number for hunting and fishing licenses is (919) 662-4370. A regulations digest is available at sporting-goods stores and tackle shops. Call either Wildlife Resources or the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries for information on motorboat registration. Official weigh stations are listed above.
