Buoy Requirements
Not less than five inches in diameter and not less than five inches in length. Engraved in the buoy, or engraved in a metal or plastic tag attached to the buoy, must be the RCGL holder’s last name and initials and if a vessel is used, one of the following: owner’s N.C. motor boat registration number (Wildlife Resources Commission number), or owner’s U.S. vessel documentation name.

NOTES:
Guidelines are intended to summarize applicable rules and statutes to assist RCGL holders in using their gear. They are not the full text of all applicable rules. For a complete copy of the rules, contact the DMF, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557, or call 252-726-7021 or 1-800-682-2632. Visit www.ncdmf.net for the latest changes to this document.

RCGL holders are required to respond to DMF surveys regarding statistical information about recreational commercial gear fishing activity.

A RCGL is not required when harvesting shellfish recreationally or using the following recreational gears: hook and line or bait and line (except multiple hook or multiple bait trotline), collapsible traps, seines less than 30 feet, dip nets, landing nets, cast nets, gigs, spears and up to two minnow traps. If more than 2 minnow traps are used to recreationally harvest fish a RCGL is required? 

While fishing, it is unlawful to possess any fish without the head and tail attached if that species is subject to size or creel limits, except fishermen can have up to two blueback herring or alewife cut up for bait purposes at one time. Save the carcass if using part of the fish for bait. New possession limits for bait mullet could go into effect July 1, 2006.

Individuals are responsible for any fish, crabs, shrimp or shellfish in their possession during a boarding or inspection.