Posted on Thu, May. 03, 2007

Here are some tips and guidelines to keep in mind before heading to the lake with your fishing pole and/or watercraft.

Fishing

Most people are required to have a basic fishing license or a sportsman license to fish in Lake Norman.Exceptions to this are:

• If you are younger than 16 • If you're fishing in a private pond

• If it's July 4, "Free Fishing Day." A fishing license is not required on this date.

N.C. state fishing licenses are available at Wal-Mart, Dick's Sporting Goods, K-Mart and Piedmont Bait and Tackle, as well as most bait shops around the lake. You may also purchase licenses online at www.ncwildlife.org.

Fishermen can choose from an array of licenses, from a one-day fishing license for $5 to a lifetime combination hunting and fishing sportsman license for $500. An annual license to fish costs $15 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Boat fishing

If you plan to fish from your own boat, you will also need to register your boat with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

The commission will issue a registration number to identify the boat, a decal with expiration date, and a card naming the owner and describing boat.

The registration number and decal must be displayed on the starboard bow of the boat, and the registration card must be carried aboard and shown to Wildlife Enforcement agents when they request it.

Rowboats, canoes and rafts moved only by oars, paddles or the current do not need registration in North Carolina. Sailboats longer than 14 feet must be registered. If a boat registered in another state is brought into North Carolina for more than 90 consecutive days, the registration must be transferred to North Carolina.

Boat registrations are usually good for three years and can be obtained by visiting one of the 400 Wildlife Service Agents statewide, by mail or online.

For details on licenses, permits, boat registration or to locate a Wildlife Service Agent, call (800) 628-3773 or go to www.ncwildlife.org.

Boat-less fishing

If you don't have a boat, you can still enjoy fishing on Lake Norman. Public fishing is permitted from shore at Lake Norman State Park, Jetton Road County Park, Ramsey Creek Access Area and Blythe Landing County Park.

In addition, Duke Power permits fishing at the Marshall Steam Station, off Highway 150, and at the McGuire Nuclear Station, off N.C. 73.

Both of these fishing areas have parking lots with portable toilets, graveled walkways and lighting for night fishing. McGuire also has a handicapped-accessible fishing pier.