North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 113. Conservation and Development § 113-185. Fishing near ocean piers; trash or scrap fishing

(a) It is unlawful to fish in the ocean from vessels or with a net within 750 feet of an ocean pier licensed in accordance with G.S. 113-169.4. The prohibition shall be effective when:

The prohibition shall not apply to littoral proprietors whose property is within 750 feet of a duly licensed ocean pier.

(b) It is unlawful to engage in any fishing operations known as trash fishing or scrap fishing. “Trash fishing” or “scrap fishing” consists of taking the young of edible fish before they are of sufficient size to be of value as individual food fish:

The Marine Fisheries Commission may by rule authorize the disposition of the young of edible fish taken in connection with the legitimate commercial fishing operations, provided that the quantity of such fish that may be disposed of is sufficiently limited, or the taking and disposition is otherwise so regulated, as to discourage any practice of trash or scrap fishing for its own sake.