A fishing ticket in NC costs $9 for residents and $17 for nonresidents. A fishing license is not required if you are under the age of 16, a North Carolina resident who is 70 years of age or older, or a person who is legally blind. You must have a valid NC fishing license to fish in any public waters of the state, including inland lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal waters. Licenses can be obtained online at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website, by calling 1-888-248-6834, or at one of over 1,000 licensed agents located throughout the state.