Coastal Recreational Fishing License Now Required

As of January 2007, any person 16 and older who wants to fish recreationally in any water designated as coastal and joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL). The NC General Assembly passed legislation in 2004 to create a saltwater license, and Governor Mike Easley signed it into law in 2005.
           
Anyone who purchased a Wildlife Resources Commission lifetime license that includes basic inland fishing privileges before Jan. 1, 2006 will be grandfathered by this law change and will not be required to purchase a separate license in order to participate in coastal recreational fishing. These lifetime licenses include any infant, youth, adult, over 70, and disabled sportsman’s license; the comprehensive fishing, over 70 fishing only, disabled veterans’ and totally disabled licenses.  For more information, visit www.ncwildlife.org/pg01_License/pg1_CRFL.htm.  

Free Vessel Safety Checks

Free safety exams for recreational boats are available for Crystal Coast boat owners. The Emerald Isle Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will have teams of qualified Vessel Safety Examiners at various marinas in western Carteret County and eastern Onslow County during t May. These safety checks can be performed on any recreational vessel up to 65 feet in length. Boats can be inspected in a rack, on a trailer or in the water.

An official 2007 decal is awarded to each boat meeting state and federal requirements. Items in the check include proper display of vessel numbers, flotation devices, distress signals, fire extinguishers, navigation lighting, and other equipment based on the size and configuration of a vessel. Checks are scheduled for May 19 at Waterway RV Park in Cedar Point; May 19 Emerald Isle Coast Guard Station; May 26, Shell Rock Landing. Times each day are 2am to 2pm. Details, 252-354-2462.