Using Drones for Fishing
Drones have become quite popular for all kinds of recreational and commercial uses in recent years, so it is reasonable for anglers to ask if they can use them for fishing.
The short answer is: sort of.
North Carolina law (G.S. 14-401.24) states that it is a class 1 misdemeanor to fish with an unmanned aircraft system (a drone). However, it also specifically states that using the drone for "spotting, locating, recording, broadcasting, or streaming video of fish" or "deploying bait" is an exception to this.
So, what does that actually mean?
It means:
- It is legal to use a drone as a spotter to locate bait or fish.
- It is legal to use a drone to carry a baited line out into the water.
The full text of the law is below.
"§ 14-401.24. Unlawful possession and use of unmanned aircraft systems. (a) It shall be a Class E felony for any person to possess or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system that has a weapon attached. (b) It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to fish or to hunt using an unmanned aircraft system. (c) The following definitions apply to this section: (1) To fish. – As defined in G.S. 113-130.G.S. 113-130, except when an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system is used during, immediately preparatory to, or immediately subsequent to the taking of fish for (i) spotting; locating; recording, broadcasting, or streaming video of fish; or (ii) deploying bait. (2) To hunt. – As defined in G.S. 113-130. (3) Unmanned aircraft. – As defined in G.S. 15A-300.1. (4) Unmanned aircraft system. – As defined in G.S. 15A-300.1. (5) Weapon. – Those weapons specified in G.S. 14-269, 14-269.2, 14-284.1, or 14-288.8 and any other object capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death when used as a weapon. (d) This section shall not prohibit possession or usage of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system that is authorized by federal law or regulation." SECTION 2.6.(b) This section becomes effective July 1, 2023, and applies to activities occurring on or after that date."