Anglers who catch trophy-sized fish that do not quality for a state record can have their fishing feats officially recognized by the Commission through the N.C. Angler Recognition Program (NCARP).
Anglers who catch a fish that meets or exceeds either weight or length requirements can submit their catch information to the Commission’s Division of Inland Fisheries in exchange for a certificate of recognition featuring a color reproduction of the fish species by renowned wildlife artist Duane Raver.
Anglers who collect six NCARP certificates receive a Master Angler certificate and patch. Because either lengths or weights can be used to certify fish as NCARP-eligible trophy fish, anglers can practice catch-and-release with their fish.
Apply for an NCARP certificate by completing an NCARP application.
Applications are also available at many bait and tackle shops, sporting good stores and other Wildlife Service Agent locations and in the North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest. A $5 fee with each application covers costs associated with the program.
Youth age 15 and younger can apply for a Youth NCARP certificate for any of the fish species listed below. Minimum length and weight requirements are waived.
How to Measure a Fish (PDF)
For more information about NCARP, call (919) 707-0220.
N.C. State Freshwater Fishing Record Program
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission also has a program that recognizes anglers who catch a new state record fish by rod and reel or cane pole. Visit the N.C. State Freshwater Fishing Record Program for more information, including how to apply and a list of current freshwater fish state records.
North Carolina State Saltwater Records
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has a state record program for anglers who catch trophy saltwater fish. Fish must be weighed at official weigh stations and application forms can be obtained from marinas, some charter boat captains and bait and tackle shops located along the coast. For more information about the saltwater state record program, visit www.ncfisheries.net.
North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Tournament (Citation Program)
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries also has a citation program recognizing anglers for their outstanding recreational catches of fish most commonly caught in North Carolina. Visit the North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Tournament page for more information on the citation program.
NCARP Minimum Trophy Fish Weight or Length Requirements
| Species | Minimum Total Weight | Minimum Total Inches |
| Largemouth bass | 8 pounds | 24 inches |
| Smallmouth bass | 3 pounds | 19 inches |
| Spotted bass | 2 pounds | 15 inches |
| Striped bass | 10 pounds | 27 inches |
| Bodie bass (striped bass hybrid) | 8 pounds | 24 inches |
| White bass | 2 pounds | 17 inches |
| White perch | 1 pound | 12 inches |
| Bowfin | 10 pounds | 22 inches |
| Common carp | 20 pounds | 34 inches |
| 30 pounds | 41 inches | |
| 10 pounds | 30 inches | |
| 30 pounds | 41 inches | |
| 4 pounds | 21 inches | |
| Catfish – bullhead (any species)* | 2 pounds | 15 inches |
| Crappie (black or white) | 2 pounds | 16 inches |
| Freshwater drum* | 12 pounds | 28 inches |
| Muskellunge | 20 pounds | 41 inches |
| Chain pickerel | 4 pounds | 26 inches |
| Redfin pickerel* | 10 ounces | 12 inches |
| American shad | 3 pounds | 16 inches |
| Hickory shad | 2 pounds | 13 inches |
| Bluegill | 1 pound | 11 inches |
| Flier | 6 ounces | 8 inches |
| Green sunfish | 1 pound | 9 inches |
| Pumpkinseed* | 14 ounces | 10 inches |
| Redbreast | 1 pound | 11 inches |
| Redear | 1 pound | 11 inches |
| Roanoke bass | 1 pound | 11 inches |
| Rock bass | 1 pound | 11 inches |
| Warmouth | 1 pound | 11 inches |
| Brook trout (hatchery supported or wild)** | 2 pounds | 16 inches |
| Brown trout (hatchery supported or wild)** | 2 pounds, 8 ounces | 18 inches |
| Rainbow trout (hatchery supported or wild)** | 2 pounds, 8 ounces | 18 inches |
| Kokanee salmon* | 2 pounds | 14 inches |
| Walleye | 5 pounds** | 23 inches |
| Yellow perch | 1 pound | 14 inches |
| Longnose Gar | 10 pounds | 48 inches |
* New species added September 2008
** Species minimum weight and/or length requirement changed