FishKillFlea The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) manages inland fishing, while the Division of Marine Fisheries manages coastal fishing. A standard NC inland fishing license costs $30 annually. If you fish both fresh and saltwater, the best value is the Unified License for $49.
2025 NC Fishing License Cost — Resident
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inland (Freshwater) | $30.00 | 12 Months | Bass, crappie, catfish |
| Coastal (Saltwater) | $19.00 | 12 Months | Ocean, sounds |
| Unified (Both!) | $49.00 | 12 Months | Both zones + Trout included! |
| Mtn Heritage Trout | $15.00 | 12 Months | Required if no Unified license |
| Senior (65+) Lifetime | $15.00 | Lifetime | Best deal in America! |
| Lifetime Unified | $250.00 | Lifetime | Pay once, fish forever |
NC Non-Resident Fishing License
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Inland Annual | $45.00 | 12 Months |
| NR Coastal Annual | $38.00 | 12 Months |
| NR Inland 10-Day | $23.00 | 10 Days |
| NR Coastal 10-Day | $11.00 | 10 Days |
The Senior $15 Lifetime Rule
If you are an NC resident turning 65, do not buy annual licenses anymore! North Carolina offers a $15 Unified Lifetime License. You pay $15 once, and you can fish inland, coastal, and trout waters for the rest of your life.
Compare NC With Neighboring States
| State | Res Annual | NR Annual | Coastal (Saltwater) | Trout Stamp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $23.00 | $47.00 | $23 (Separate) | +$23.00 |
| Tennessee | $34.00 | $50.00 | N/A | +$22.00 |
| South Carolina | $10.00 | $35.00 | $15 (Separate) | N/A |
| Georgia | $15.00 | $50.00 | Included | +$10.00 |
North Carolina breaks its licenses out by geography. At $30 for Inland, it's slightly more expensive than Virginia or Georgia but offers access to some of the best bass lakes in the country. The standout deal in NC is for seniors — a $15 LIFETIME unified license for ages 65+ is one of the best bargains in the United States!
FAQ
What happens if I cross from river to ocean?
If you fish in "Joint Waters" (where rivers meet the sea), you can hold EITHER an Inland or Coastal license. However, to be completely safe anywhere in the state, the $49 Unified License is highly recommended. See NC fishing spots.