Coastal recreational fishing license sales increased during the summer, but still fell far short of covering the estimated 2 million anglers who fish in North Carolina every year.  

The state sold 355,990 coastal recreational fishing licenses between Jan. 1 and Sept. 3.  

Fisheries officials say one partial explanation for the discrepancy could be the number of pier and charter-boat anglers who aren’t required to buy individual fishing licenses.  Public fishing piers, charter boats, and headboats have the option of purchasing a blanket license that covers all the customers.

Through Sept. 3, 21 public fishing piers and 686 charter boats and headboats had purchased blanket licenses.

Officials say another factor could be that many anglers, especially those from other states, might be unaware of the licensing requirement. 

Until Jan. 1, there was no saltwater fishing license in North Carolina.  Marine patrol officers have issued warnings rather than tickets for most license violations this year.

And, license sales could still spike as the popular fall fishing season gets underway.

Sales on the Outer Banks this summer pushed Dare County into the number one spot for license sales. 

More residents of Wake County, which includes Raleigh, purchased licenses than residents of any other county in the state. 

Anglers from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio topped the list for non-resident license purchases. 

With the exception of lifetime license fees, license revenue goes into the Marine Resources Fund to finance fisheries research, habitat protection, and public access projects.

As of September 3, sales had generated $3.5 million for the fund. 

As recently as June, officials estimated Marine Resources Fund revenue hitting at least $10 million, and earlier estimates had tagged the annual potential at $19.2 million.

To date, the fund has supplied $200,000 for the Chowan River Bridge fishing pier, $100,000 for an angler’s guide, and $445,141 for a stock assessment program and scientist at the state Division of Marine Fisheries.  License sales support and implementation has received $855,711 from the fund.

For more information on the license, who needs it, and how to buy it, visit www.ncfisheries.net.