NC Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

NC fishing penalties: $35-$250 + massive $160 court costs! Report to 1-800-662-7137. Red drum coastal slot limits are strict.

Fishing without a valid NC fishing license is heavily enforced by NC Wildlife Enforcement Officers and Marine Patrol.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$35 – $250Plus mandatory court costs ($160+)
Fishing closed watersUp to $500Trout spawning sanctuaries
Over bag limit$100+Plus possible resource replacement costs

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Largemouth Bass514" minimum (often 2 may be under 14")
Trout (Harvest Waters)7No minimum size in standard harvest waters
Red Drum (Coastal)1Strict slot: 18" to 27"
Flounder (Coastal)Varies strictlyCheck current season! Extremely managed.
Crappie208" minimum in most major reservoirs

Call the Turn In Poachers hotline: 1-800-662-7137.

An NC Inland license is $30. Get yours.