North Carolina Fishing Records

North Carolina has four programs that officially recognize anglers who have caught large fish. Two of these, the N.C. Freshwater Fishing State Record Program and the N.C. Angler Recognition Program, are administered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The other two, Saltwater Fishing Records and Saltwater Fishing Tournament Citations, are administered by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.

Freshwater Fishing State Record Program

A list of the largest common freshwater game fish caught by anglers in North Carolina, as well as information on how to apply for a new state fish record.

• Apply For A NC State Fishing Record
• Application

Freshwater Fishing Angler Recognition Program

Anglers who catch trophy-sized fish that do not qualify for a state record can have their fishing feats officially recognized through the N.C. Angler Recognition Program. Minimum fish size requirements and details on how to apply are contained in this section.

Saltwater Fishing Records

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has a state record program for anglers who catch trophy saltwater fish. Fish must be weighed at official weigh stations and application forms can be obtained from marinas, some charter boat captains and bait and tackle shops located along the coast. 
 

Saltwater Fishing Tournament Citation Application

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has a citation program recognizing anglers for their outstanding recreational catches of fish most commonly caught in North Carolina.