According to interviews later with anglers and the mate without a license, Peter Wann, the high emotions onboard the boat that afternoon died down quickly. Just moments after stretching out the large marlin in the cockpit, Wann admitted asking the captain if the boat had a blanket N.C. Recreational Fishing License since that’s the situation he was accustomed to working under on charter boats.
But the Citation was no longer a charter boat, although it had been with Wann aboard as a fill-in mate before it was sold a year prior, and he reportedly attempted to verify his license standings online from the boat after the marlin was caught. He later said the state website showed his license had expired, so he renewed it online
Hank Sibley Bluewater Yacht Sales 