Sport fishing, a favorite pastime and an important industry, has played a major role in coastal North Carolina history and economy. On May 31, the new sport fishing exhibit, "Reel 'em in: Sport Fishing in North Carolina" opened at the North Carolina Maritime Museum and will run through July 27. Displays include modern and antique fishing equipment including a fighting chair, rods, reels, lures and numerous fishing accessories. Take a look back into history through the photos on display of yesteryear.

With over 4,000 miles of coast shoreline and a diversity of fish like no other state, North Carolina traditionally ranks in the top-10 seafood producing states. With nearly 50 fishing tournaments scheduled throughout North Carolina in 2008, the Tar Heel state is a fishermen's haven.

Types of fishing range from inshore to offshore, surf to pier fishing and recreational to sport. There are an abundance of fishing tournaments covering the entire state of North Carolina and run throughout the year. Fishing in North Carolina draws thousands of visitors and generates millions of dollars in revenue each year.