Freshwater fishing opportunities in eastern North Carolina

              Freshwater Fishing Opportunities in Eastern North Carolina
Keith W. Ashley, Fisheries Biologist
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Division of Inland Fisheries
2008
Public Fishing Areas and Community Fishing Program
The N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides free public fishing opportunities at more than 100 Public Fishing Areas ( PFA) and Community Fishing Program ( CFP) sites throughout the state. The Commission has enhanced fishing opportunities at PFAs by clearing banks of underbrush and, in some cases, by constructing universally accessible fishing piers, creating graveled or paved parking lots, installing fish attractors or baiting areas with fish feed. CFP sites are located primarily at city- or county- owned parks and many have regular operation hours. The Commission enhances fishing at many CFP sites by stocking fish, feeding the fish and installing artificial reefs or fish attractors. Most CFP sites are stocked from April to September with harvestable- sized channel catfish.
To find PFAs, CFP sites and TLP locations near you, visit the Commission’s Web site, www. ncwildlife. org and click on “ Fishing.” Call the Division of Inland Fisheries at ( 919) 707- 0220 for more information on these programs.
Tackle Loaner Program
The Wildlife Resources Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program ( TLP) loans fishing tackle to the public similar to the way a library loans a book. Anglers of all ages register at participating city- or county- owned parks ( often CFP sites) to receive a tackle loaner ID card, which allows them to check out a rod and reel for the day. The Commission created the TLP to introduce people, especially children, to fishing and to encourage novice anglers to continue developing their angling skills.
North Carolina Angler Recognition Program
Any angler who catches a fish meeting specific size requirements can apply to have the catch recognized as a “ trophy” fish through the North Carolina Angler Recognition Program ( NCARP). This program provides recognition to all anglers who catch trophy- sized fish that are not large enough to qualify as a state record fish. Please see table on inside back cover for NCARP minimum measurements.
Other information – N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission
The N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission is dedicated to sound conservation of the state’s wildlife and other interrelated natural resources and to the environment we share with them.
Logo Regulation information ( 919) 707- 0030
License information ( 888) 248- 6834
To purchase a license by credit card ( 888) 248- 6834