To my knowledge, the individual without the license gets the ticket, which really sticks for those of us who enjoy female company when we go out. Not many women keep up with a fishing license. From what I gather, private vessel operators do not have the option to purchase a blanket license. Seeing that the law went into effect in 2007, my guess is that Sportsmen up until 2006 are grandfathered in. Here's some other stuff from their website :
http://www.ncfisheries.net/recreational/NCCRFL.htm
Exemptions
Individuals under16 years of age.
Individuals who purchase any of the following WRC licenses prior to Jan. 1, 2006:
· All categories of Lifetime Sportsman licenses;
· Lifetime Resident Comprehensive Fishing License;
· Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Resident Sportsman;
· Disabled Resident Sportsman;
· Lifetime Fishing License for the Legally Blind; and
· Adult Care Home Resident Fishing License.
Blanket Licenses
For-hire vessels and ocean fishing piers have the option to purchase a blanket license to cover their fishing patrons. When purchasing a Blanket License, vessel operators must provide a copy of the U. S. Coast Guard license that allows taking people for-hire. Please Note: Blanket Licenses are ONLY available at DMF offices