Want to fish at the NC coast? Then you need a license. Here's why and how to get one.

If you're headed to the beach or plan on hitting the water this summer, there are some things you are certainly going to pack.

Sunscreen to protect you from the scorching Carolina sun, more than likely a few beverages to keep you hydrated, and maybe some beach toys and a Shimbumi Shade are all likely coming along.

But if you plan on casting into the surf or testing your luck in the state's offshore or inland coastal waters, there's one more thing you need: a fishing license.

Whether you are a tourist from Tennessee, an avid angler from Asheville, or a local lad from Leland, recreational fishermen of all skill levels over the age of 16 have been required to have a valid N.C. Coastal Recreational Fishing License since 2007.

The idea isn't to discourage fishing, but the exact opposite.

"We want to help protect and maintain this natural resource that we all enjoy for our generation and for future generations," said Capt. Garland Yopp with the N.C. Marine Patrol.

Proceeds from license sales are used by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and state Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), which manages North Carolina's freshwater public waters and shares management of some inner coastal areas with DMF, to manage, protect and conserve the state's marine resources − from making sure fishing stocks aren't falling too low to maintaining and expanding public boat launch sites.

And with fishing, like many other outdoor activities, exploding in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the tremendous growth all of the N.C. coast has seen in recent decades, that's becoming a bigger challenge every year, said Yopp, who oversees the state's southern coastal areas.

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Who needs a N.C. fishing license?

Basically, anyone over 16 who intends to fish. A coastal fishing license is required even if you're just planning to do some catch-and-release fishing, not catching something for personal consumption.

Yopp said that includes fishing offshore, since boaters will have to traverse state waters − which extend 3 miles offshore − when traveling to and from their offshore fishing grounds.

Commercial piers, however, have a blanket license that covers recreational fishermen, so individuals don't need their own license to fish from them. Folks also can fish license-free anywhere along the coast on July 4.

How do I get a license?

Government isn't generally known as an entity that makes it easy to get the necessary permit or paperwork to do something. But that's not the case when it comes to fishing licenses.

Yopp said probably the easiest way to get a license is through the WRC's online portal. Once you've selected and paid for your license, you will receive a digital copy of your license that you can keep on your cellphone or print out for a hard copy.

Fishing licenses also can be purchased at most big box retailers, like Walmart, sporting good shops, some hardware stores, and at local DMF and WRC offices.

Are there different types of licenses?

Yes, so a tourist visiting Brunswick County for a week doesn't have to buy a year-long license that a beach house owner from the Triangle might want.

A short, 10-day coastal fishing license is $6 for a N.C. resident and $11 for a nonresident.

Annual licenses are good for one calendar year from when they are issued. For state residents, a 1-year license costs $16. It is $32 for a nonresident.

Since a separate fishing license is required to fish in the state's freshwater lakes, rivers and streams, fishermen also have the option of buying a unified license.

North Carolina also offers lifetime licenses and discounted licenses for certain groups, like disabled veterans.

Information on the types of fishing licenses and their cost can be found at www.eregulations.com/northcarolina/fishing/fishing-licenses.

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What if I cast without a license?

Yopp said officers have the option of issuing a verbal warning or charging someone with a misdemeanor, which carries a fine that can range from $35 on up and could see future fishing privileges suspended, depending on the situation.

He said most fishermen understand and want to follow the rules, and many of the issues law enforcement comes across have to do with licenses that have expired.

"We still do see some violations, because like anything you always have some bad apples," Yopp said. "But as a general rule we have pretty good compliance."

He added that just because you are a weekend angler or a tourist doesn't mean you aren't responsible for knowing N.C.'s fishing rules, and that includes what you can catch and keep.

"If you don't know how to ID a fish or what size is legal, then you probably shouldn't have it in your ice chest," Yopp said, adding that there are plenty of online information on the DMF's website and via smartphone apps like FishRules to help keep fishermen informed.

"I really think most fishermen want to do the right thing, and most of them do."

Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Do I need a fishing license in North Carolina?