Using a Cast Net N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries General regulations

• There are no regulations limiting the mesh size or diameter of cast nets used in North Carolina coastal waters.
• A cast net may be used year-round in all coastal waters of North Carolina. Catching shrimp with a cast net
• Cast nets are considered recreational gear. No license or permit is needed when using a cast net to catch shrimp for recreational purposes.
• Sale of shrimp caught for recreational purposes is prohibited. A commercial fishing license is required to sell catch.
• Rules are different for waters that are open and closed to shrimp trawling. Closed area signs are posted at areas most frequented by cast netters, but not all closed areas are marked. Fishermen should refer to the proclamation section of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries’ website at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/proclamations for current closed areas.
• When using a cast net in an area closed to shrimp trawling, 100 shrimp per person per day may be kept.
• When using a cast net in an area open to shrimp trawling, 48 quarts of shrimp with heads on, or 30 quarts of shrimp with heads off, may be kept per person or vessel. If using a vessel and two or more people are on board, 96 quarts of shrimp with heads on, or 60 quarts of shrimp with heads off, may be kept. Catching finfish with a cast net (including bait fish)
• If a cast netter plans to keep any finfish caught, including minnows and/or bait fish, a Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required. • North Carolina recreational size and bag limits apply. These may be found at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/recreational-fishing-size-and-bag-limits or by calling (252) 726-7021. Smartphone users may locate them by scanning the following QR code…
• Sale of recreational catch is prohibited. A commercial fishing license is required to sell catch.