15A NCAC 10C .0206      TROTLINES, JUG HOOKS AND SET HOOKS

(a)  For purposes of this Rule, the following definitions apply:

(1)           "Set hook" means a fishing device consisting of a single line having no more than three hooks that is attached at one end only to a stationary object.

(2)           "Jug hook" means a fishing device consisting of a single line having no more than three hooks that is attached to a float.

(3)           "Trotline" means a fishing device consisting of a horizontal common line having multiple hooks attached.

(b)  Trotlines, jug hooks, and set hooks may be set in the inland waters of North Carolina, provided no live bait is used, except that they:

(1)           may not be set in the impounded waters on the Sandhills Game Land;

(2)           may not be set in designated public mountain trout waters except impounded waters of power reservoirs and municipally-owned water supply reservoirs open to the public for fishing;

(3)           in Lake Waccamaw, trotlines, jug hooks, or set hooks may only be set from October 1 through April 30; and

(4)           in the Roanoke River, trotlines, jug hooks, or set hooks may only be set from July 1 through March 31.

(c)  A trotline, set hook, and jug hook shall bear legible and indelible identification of the user's name and address or the user's Wildlife Resources Commission customer number.

(d)  Trotlines and set hooks shall be conspicuously marked at each end with a flag, float, or other prominent object so that its location is readily discernible by boat operators and swimmers.

(e)  Trotlines shall be set parallel to the nearest shore in inland fishing waters unless otherwise prohibited.

(f)  The number of jug hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat.

(g)  Trotlines, set hooks, and jug hooks shall be fished once daily with all fish removed.

(h)  Trotlines, set hooks, and jug hooks without bait or not labeled as described in this Paragraph may be removed from the water by wildlife enforcement officers.

(i)  It is unlawful to use metal cans or glass jugs as floats.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-272; 113-292;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1993; May 1, 1992; July 1, 1989; January 1, 1982;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 2002;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2015; August 1, 2014; August 1, 2013; May 1, 2008; June 1, 2005; August 1, 2002;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2022;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2023.