Every year in North Carolina, July 4 is a free fishing day in all public waters, salt and fresh. Free fishing runs from midnight to 11:59 p.m. July 4, and applies to residents and non-residents alike who fish with recreational gear. (Those fishing coastal waters with gillnets, trawl nets, crab pots or other commercial gear still need appropriate licenses.)
All size and bag limits and other fishing regulations remain in effect.