If you want to become an angler, July 4 will be a good day to test the waters. You might walk away with a whopper like veteran angler, Jake Morris of Tarboro did.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering a free fishing day on July 4, from midnight until 11:59 p.m. for resident or non-residents to fish in public water and coastal waters in North Carolina without purchasing a fishing license or a trout stamp. However, other fishing regulations, such as size, creel limits, bait and tackle restrictions and park fees apply.

“The purpose of the free fishing day is to give everyone an opportunity to enjoy the fun of fishing, especially those who don’t currently have a fishing license,” said Kent Nelson, fisheries program manager for the Commission’s Division of Inland Fisheries. “It’s a great way to spend quality time with your kids outdoors and develop an interest in nature and conservation.”

The annual fish free day is used by the Commission to encourage more people to get outside and on the water, said Kirk Rundle, NCWRC fishing biologist for District 3. District 3 includes Nash and Edgecombe Counties.

The ponds are stocked with channel catfish because they are easy to catch and they don't interfere with other fishes in the ponds, Rundle said.

"They're also good eating," he added.

 So that anglers of all ages and skill levels have an excellent chance of catching fishes, the agency has stocked a variety fish in waters across the state, from trout in the mountains to channel catfish in the Piedmont and coastal regions, according to a news release by the Commission.

 The Commission has made finding a fishing spot easier by maintaining more than 100 Public Fishing Areas and Community Fishing Program sites across the state. Three of those ponds are in Edgecombe County. The Robert Barnhill Public Fishing Area, which includes Newbold and Etheridge ponds both located about two miles outside of Princeville and Indian Lake in Tarboro will be stocked by the Commission. Indian Lake is the only CFP site in Edgecombe.

 CFP sites are intensively managed bodies of water receiving monthly stockings of catchable-sized channel catfish from April to September. Many sites also feature universally accessible fishing piers and solar-powered fish feeders. In addition, the Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program, available at many CFP sites, allows anglers to borrow rods and reels for free. 

North Carolina residents age 16 and older who are interested in fishing the remaining 364 days of the year can purchase a one-year comprehensive inland fishing license (includes public trout waters) for $20. A one-year license to fish in coastal waters is $15; to fish in inland and coastal waters, a unified license is $35 (includes public trout waters) and is valid for one year from purchase date. To purchase a license:

•Go online, www.ncwildlife.org;

•Call 1-888-248-6834, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday;

• Visit one of nearly 1,000 wildlife service agents located across the state. 

 For a list of all public fishing areas, Community Fishing Program sites and Tackle Loaner Program sites, visit the Wildlife Commission’s Web site, www.ncwildlife.org, or call the Division of Inland Fisheries, (919) 707-0220.