SECTION .0400 – NONGAME FISH IN INLAND FISHING WATERS

15A NCAC 10C .0401      MANNER OF TAKING NONGAME FISHES

(a)  Except as permitted by the rules in this Section, no person shall take nongame fishes from the inland fishing waters of North Carolina in a manner other than with hook and line, grabbling, or special device with a special device fishing license, or inland fishing license.

(b)  Nongame fishes may be taken from inland fishing waters without restriction as to size limits or creel limits, except as specified in this Section.

(c)  Special devices used with a special device fishing license shall only be used in those counties and waters with open season designated in 15A NCAC 10C .0407.

(d)  Archery equipment used with either a hunting license or inland fishing license may be used to take nongame fishes year-round in inland fishing waters, except:

(1)           in the Pee Dee River and its tributaries, downstream of Blewett Falls Dam to the South Carolina state line, where only catfish shall be taken;

(2)           in impounded waters located on the Sandhills Game Land; and

(3)           in public mountain trout waters.

(e)  Set hooks, jug hooks, and trotlines may be used to take nongame fishes as designated in 15A NCAC 10C .0206.

(f)  The season for taking nongame fishes by hook and line in designated public mountain trout waters is the same as the trout fishing season. Trout seasons are designated in 15A NCAC 10C .0316.

(g)  Nongame fishes taken by hook and line, grabbling, or by special device with a special device fishing license may be sold unless otherwise specified in this Section.

(h)  In the inland waters of the Roanoke River upstream of U.S. 258 bridge, only a single barbless circle hook may be used when fishing with live or natural bait from April 1 to June 30. With other tackle, only a single barbless hook may be used. "Circle hook" as used in this Rule means a hook with the point turned perpendicularly back to the shank. "Barbless" as used in this Rule requires that a hook does not have a barb or the barb is bent down.

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

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1994; July 1, 1993; May 1, 1992;

Temporary Amendment Eff. December 1, 1994;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1998; July 1, 1996; July 1, 1995;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 1999;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2000;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 2002; July 1, 2001;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2002 (approved by RRC on 06/21/01 and 04/18/02);

Temporary Amendment Eff. June 1, 2003;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2004 (this amendment replaces the amendment approved by RRC on July 17, 2003);

Amended Eff. August 1, 2019; August 1, 2018; August 1, 2016; August 1, 2015; August 1, 2014; August 1, 2013; August 1, 2012; August 1, 2011; August 1, 2010; May 1, 2009; May 1, 2008; May 1, 2007; May 1, 2006; June 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. August 1, 2020;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2021;

Temporary Amendment Eff. September 1, 2022;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2023; March 15, 2023.