Fishing season in North Carolina is one of the most popular topics among sports fishermen. Some like to go big game fishing in the fall for salmon and steelhead, while others prefer to head out for soft sea trout in the spring. Regardless of your chosen sport, there is always some kind of fishing season in North Carolina you can participate in.
Since the water temperature varies throughout the year in North Carolina, not all fishing seasons are created equal. While the spring and summer months are excellent for angling, the winter months can be quite harsh. If you are planning on fishing in the winter, make sure to prepare yourself and your boat for the cold weather. We’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the waters successfully:
Know The Different Types Of Fishing Licenses
It’s important to know the difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses. Most fish caught in freshwater streams and lakes are generally released back into the water. However, certain fish species are considered game fish and can be shot and retained for food. These fish species include:
- Alaskan lake trout
- Arctic char
- Black crappie
- Brook trout
- Cardinal fish
- Cave fish
- Chinook salmon
- Drainbow trout
- Gambler fish
- Golden trout
- Lake trout
- Largemouth bass
- Northern pike
- Redfish
- Rover fish
- Sauger
- Sierra Nevada goldfish
- Spotted bass
- Striped bass
- Sunfish
- Tench
- Trout
- Walleye
- Whitefish
There is also a separate state game fish license for catching and keeping a certain number of fish. Hunters can use this license to bag game fish like deer, bear, and turkey. Some fish species, like king mackerel, are considered common game fish and can be caught and kept with a regular fishing license. If you keep any sport fish, you must register them with the state within 24 hours of your catch.
Know The Best Places To Fish
The best place to fish for salmon in North Carolina is the Neuse River. This river winds its way through the center of the state and provides some of the most bountiful salmon fishing in the country. During the peak season, you can catch fish right in the Neuse River, but it’s also an excellent spot to try your luck in the ocean if you’re planning on fishing offshore. The best time to fish the ocean for salmon is in the spring, before the water temperature gets too hot. Summertime is also an excellent option, as the water is usually cooler and a lot more inviting. The best places to fish for trout are the Bogue, Black, and Tar Rivers, which are all located in northeastern North Carolina. The best time to fish for trout is in the spring or early summer months, as the later summer and fall bring with them higher water temperatures that are more suitable for large game fish like bass and pike. One of the most popular fishing spots in North Carolina is the Crystal Coast, especially in the area around Beaufort. This part of the country is famous for its oyster bars, which are a great way to end your day. There, you’ll find a vibrant community of fishermen engaged in a wonderful sport.
Check out our blog post to learn more about the best spots to fish in North Carolina:
Make Sure You Have The Right Equipment
If you’re going to be fishing the state, you might as well fully commit. The right equipment is vital if you want to be able to catch fish. Before you even think about heading out on the water, ensure that you have everything. This includes:
- The right license
- A mask
- A life jacket
- A flare
- A waterproof bag
- A rod
- A reel
- A snap hook
- A spoon
- A net
- A flashlight
- A water temperature gauge
- A water bottle
- Tackle
- A floatation device
If you’re new to fishing, start small. Head to a friend’s house or local library and borrow some gear. If you can find a boat that is suitable for one person, go for it. The first step is always the most important and can save you a lot of heartache in the long run. Make sure to read up on the proper way to handle and fish different species of fish. There’s a ton of information on the Internet about this topic and tons of books you can get at local libraries. Just remember: knowledge is power and with power comes responsibility. Always treat fish with respect and never put them in any danger.