Wednesday, July 4 will be the day for the annual “Free Fishing Day” in North Carolina.

Every resident of North Carolina, and even those from outside the state, can go fishing in any public water in the state without purchasing a license.

“The Wildlife Commission offers a free fishing day to show novice anglers how much fun fishing can be and to remind lapsed anglers how much fun they’ve been missing,” said Robert Curry, chief of the Wildlife Commission’s Division of Inland Fisheries. “It’s a great opportunity for anglers of all ages and abilities to experience the incredible fishing that North Carolina has to offer.”

Beginning in 1994, people across the state have had this opportunity to go fishing on each and every Independence Day without having to worry about spending the money that comes with obtaining licenses to fish the many public waters across the state. Any public water from mountain stream to coastal waters can be fished in.

While no license is required, those fishing will still have to abide by the other regulations that will be in effect, such as size limits and lure restrictions.

For a complete list of all of the public fishing areas, you can visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission website at www.ncwildlife.org/fishing, or call the Division of Inland Fisheries at (919) 707-0220.