So you caught a big fish (nice!), but it doesn’t quite qualify for a freshwater fishing state record. Good news – you can still have your catch officially recognized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission through the N.C. Angler Recognition Program.
Interested in recognition for your saltwater catch? The state's Division of Marine Fisheries offers its own program for saltwater species of fish. Learn more about the NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament here.
If a fish meets or exceeds either weight or length requirements (see table below):