Outdoor NC Leave No Trace
Tips for Fishing
North Carolina has thousands of miles of streams, shorelines, rivers, lakes and gulf stream waters offering a chance to catch a variety of species and trophy game fish. Casual anglers and serious sportsmen alike can practice these simple fishing tips to help keep our waters pristine, wildlife safe and the future of fishing strong.
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PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
If you are fishing on North Carolina’s coasts or rivers, a fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Plan ahead and purchase a fishing license online prior to your outing.
LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT
Always be respectful of where you are fishing. Be aware of state and local regulations and follow any posted signage to protect fishing access for future visitors to enjoy.
CONTAIN YOUR CONTAINERS
Secure bait containers to prevent them from being blown into the ocean or rivers. Seal containers while not using them to protect your bait and prevent wildlife from gaining access to potentially unhealthy food sources.
MIND YOUR LINES
Monofilament fishing line can be lethal to wildlife if they become entangled or swallow it. Help protect birds, fish and other wildlife by learning the proper way to cut your line when caught on rocks and disposing of all fishing line and hooks using monofilament tubes.
TRASH YOUR TRASH
Always pack up all gear, food scraps and other trash. Gear and litter left behind can be dangerous for wildlife and a safety hazard to other visitors.