NEW BERN, N.C. — Fishing is a huge part of the culture in North Carolina, but fishing regulations are always changing both inland and on the coast.

What You Need To Know

  • Fishing regulations change depending on fish populations every year

  • The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission adopted the same rules as the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries

  • Consistent rules mean less confusion for anglers in inland and coastal waters

Law enforcement with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says that protecting fish is a priority, and the agency has adopted the N.C. Division of Fisheries' rules in an effort to bring consistency for anglers.

Master Officer Tyler Ingle grew up on the waters.

“I grew up hunting and fishing,” Ingle said. “So I knew of some of the officers growing up around here, and it's something I always wanted to do.”

Wildlife Resources Commission Master Officer Tyler Ingle's view from his patrol boat on the Trent River. (Spectrum News1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

Now he's going on eight years as an officer with the Wildlife Resources Commission. He spends a lot of time on the water, stopping to say hi to anglers and make sure they have their fishing license and safety equipment.

Ingle says it's important they follow fishing regulations to protect different species in the water. Regulating the fish ensures there isn't a huge depletion of resources.

The regulations are always changing based on what fish populations look like in a given year. The newest limits affect the size, season and the amount of fish you can catch for 15 species in inland or freshwater fishing in North Carolina.

Wildlife resources Officer Tyler Ingle looks at an angler's bluegill fish. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

Although some anglers don't like the limitations they put on their hobby, others appreciate the work the wildlife commission is doing.

“I would say to the fisherman, a lot of people go out just for the catch,” Ingle said. “But as far as eating, there's different types of species of fish. So look at those limits of fish and catch those if you wanna have a good fish fry or something.”

Ingle encourages anglers to always be aware of new regulations and fishing locations in case someone on his team stops by for a chat.

The newest rules went into effect on Sept. 1, but they might look familiar to frequent anglers. The wildlife commission adopted the same rules as the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, which is in charge of coastal fishing waters. Ingle says having this consistency will help with confusion for the public on the water.

For anyone heading out to fish, Ingle advises them to make sure they know where they're fishing and what license is needed. You can find details on the newest regulations and maps of the waters online or at ncwildlife.org.

Signs mark the switch from inland to coastal fishing waters. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)