North Carolina
saltwater rules

Q: Do I need a license to fish saltwater in North Carolina?

A Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for anglers 16 and older in coastal waters.

Q: How far out do North Carolina state waters go?

3 nautical miles from shore. Inside that line the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries sets the rules on this page. Beyond it, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council sets the federal rules, and where North Carolina has no rule of its own this page shows the federal one, labelled.

Q: What if a fish is not listed for North Carolina?

North Carolina sets no specific rule for it. Size: No size limit. Bag: No bag limit. Season: Open year-round. Finfish not listed in the 2026 NC recreational guide (updated 1/26/2026) carry no state size or bag limits; tautog, monkfish, skates, menhaden, barracuda and other unlisted roster species have no NC recreational rules. Rules change by proclamation.

Q: Which catches must be reported in North Carolina?

Red Drum, Southern Flounder, Summer Flounder, Gulf Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, Weakfish. Every red drum, flounder, speckled trout, striped bass, or weakfish you keep in North Carolina waters must be reported to NC DMF — state law since Dec 1, 2025. Report as soon as the trip is over (the moment the boat reaches shore) in the NC DMF iPhone app or the online form; paper report cards are due by midnight the next day.

Q: Which federal catches must be reported to NOAA?

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish. HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat permit holders must report every bluefin tuna landing or dead discard, and every swordfish, marlin, or sailfish landing, within 24 hours of returning — online at hmspermits.noaa.gov, in the Catch Reporting app, or by phone.

Q: How current are these North Carolina rules?

Every row shows its source and the day it was last checked; the latest is Sep 16, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency pages nightly and the date advances when they are unchanged. Rules change mid-season by proclamation, so the official rulebook is the final word.

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries sets the rules inside North Carolina’s state waters, out to 3 nautical miles from shore. Beyond that, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council writes the federal rules.

Nearby waters: Virginia · South Carolina

140 species with a rule on file, checked Sep 16, 2026. 66 of them carry a federal-waters rule because North Carolina lists none of its own; those rows say so. Every row names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

Albacore

Longfin, Longfin tuna Thunnus alalunga

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

No recreational limits, unlike yellowfin's 3-fish/27-inch rule — but the boat still needs an HMS Angling permit.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-09-16
Alewife

River herring, Buckie Alosa pseudoharengus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

River herring (alewife and blueback) unlawful to possess under NC moratorium.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Almaco Jack

Almaco Seriola rivoliana

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
American Eel

Yellow eel, Silver eel Anguilla rostrata

Size
9 in total length

Bag
25 per day

Season
Jan 1 – Aug 31

Closed

One of the few small species NC does regulate; the hook-and-line season closes Aug 31.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

Size
No size limit

Bag
10/day aggregate with hickory shad; no more than 1 American shad in most waters (up to 5 in Cape Fear River system; any mix in Pamlico/Pungo)

Season
Internal and joint waters only; harvest from the Atlantic Ocean prohibited; after Apr 14 harvest limited to hook-and-line

Open

Unlawful to take from the Atlantic Ocean; internal/joint waters only, hook-and-line after Apr 14; seasonal proclamation details flagged for review.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
27" curved FL min; keepable slot 27–<73"

Bag
Private vessels: 2 per vessel per day (only 1 of 47–<73"); trophy 73"+ closed for 2026

Season
Open under in-season limits

Open

HMS Angling permit required. Retention limits are adjusted in-season by NOAA — verify the current limit before keeping a fish.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Bumper

Chloroscombrus chrysurus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Butterfish

Dollarfish Peprilus triacanthus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Chub Mackerel

Chub Scomber colias

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Atlantic Croaker

Hardhead Micropogonias undulatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
50/day

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Menhaden

Bunker, Pogy, Fatback Brevoortia tyrannus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

Cast-netting bunker for bait is unrestricted; the commercial fishery is regulated separately.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Moonfish

Selene setapinnis

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Needlefish

Strongylura marina

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 per person per trip (separate from the vessel shark limit)

Season
Year-round

Open

Own per-person allowance in addition to the 1-shark vessel aggregate. HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Spadefish

Chaetodipterus faber

Size
No size limit

Bag
20/day aggregate (max 10 spadefish)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Per FF-10-2026 spadefish counts in the 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate, max 10 of any one listed species.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Stingray

Hypanus sabinus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Atlantic Sturgeon

Acipenser oxyrinchus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Listed as a prohibited finfish species in NC coastal and joint waters (ESA-listed).
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Banded Rudderfish

Seriola zonata

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Bank Sea Bass

Centropristis ocyurus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No specific bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species; general gear/descending-device rules apply.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Bar Jack

Caranx ruber

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

Size
27" curved FL min

Bag
3 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

Federal HMS permit required for tunas. NC flyer lists bigeye and yellowfin together at 27" CFL, 3/day.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Black Drum

Drum Pogonias cromis

Size
14–25" TL slot

Bag
10 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

One black drum over 25" TL allowed per person per day.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Black Grouper

Mycteroperca bonaci

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
24 in total length

Bag
1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (shallow-water grouper spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

Vessel limit 2 per day.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Black Sea Bass

Sea bass Centropristis striata

Size
13 in TL min (both areas)

Bag
15/day N of Cape Hatteras; 7/day S of Cape Hatteras

Season
N of Hatteras: May 15 - Sep 30 & Oct 10 - Dec 31; S of Hatteras: open year-round

Open

Area split at Cape Hatteras (35 15.0321 N); both areas open on 2026-08-21; southern rules per snapper-grouper proclamation FF-10-2026.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Blackbelly Rosefish

Rosefish, Rosie Helicolenus dactylopterus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

No longer in the SAFMC snapper-grouper complex — no size, bag, or season for this deep-drop catch.
Gear: Non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks required when using natural baits; Descending device on board, rigged and ready to use.
SAFMC / NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Blackfin Snapper

Lutjanus buccanella

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

12 in TL minimum removed in 2020.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Blacknose Shark

Carcharhinus acronotus

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Blue Marlin

Makaira nigricans

Size
99" LJFL min

Bag
1 per vessel per trip — blue OR white marlin combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS permit required; billfish must be reported at NC HMS reporting stations before removal from vessel.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Blue Shark

Blue dog Prionace glauca

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54 in fork length

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip

Season
Open year-round

Open

HMS permit with shark endorsement and circle-hook rules apply.
Gear: Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required when fishing with bait; HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required in federal waters.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-09-16
Blueback Herring

River herring Alosa aestivalis

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

River herring (alewife and blueback) unlawful to possess under NC moratorium.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Bluefish

Chopper, Snapper blue Pomatomus saltatrix

Size
No size limit

Bag
5/day private; 7/day for-hire

Season
Open year-round

Open

Limits raised Jan 1, 2026 by proclamation FF-1-2026 after the rebuilt stock assessment.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Blueline Tilefish

Caulolatilus microps

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
2 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Aug 31 (closed Sep 1 – Apr 30)

Closed

Closes Sep 1, 2026.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Bluntnose Sixgill Shark

Sixgill shark, Cow shark Hexanchus griseus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (bluntnose sixgill) — release in the water with minimal injury.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Bluntnose Stingray

Hypanus say

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Bonnethead

Sphyrna tiburo

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 per person per trip (separate from the vessel shark limit)

Season
Year-round

Open

Own per-person allowance in addition to the 1-shark vessel aggregate. HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Clearnose Skate

Brier skate Rostroraja eglanteria

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Cobia

Ling, Lemonfish Rachycentron canadum

Size
36" FL min

Bag
1/person/day; private vessel 2/vessel/day May 1-Jun 30 then 1/vessel/day Jul 1-Dec 31; for-hire 4/vessel/day

Season
May 1 - Dec 31, 2026

Open

Proclamation FF-4-2026; solo private angler limited to 1 fish.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Common Thresher

Thresher, Whiptail Alopias vulpinus

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54 in fork length

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip

Season
Open year-round

Open

HMS permit with shark endorsement plus circle hooks required; bigeye thresher is prohibited — common thresher only.
Gear: Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required when fishing with bait; HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required in federal waters.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-09-16
Coney

Cephalopholis fulva

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Conger Eel

Conger oceanicus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC's eel rule covers American eel only — conger is unregulated.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Cottonwick

Haemulon melanurum

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No specific bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Cubera Snapper

Lutjanus cyanopterus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
12 in total length

Bag
10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Off east FL, cubera 30 in TL or larger are limited to 2 per person, not to exceed 2 per vessel.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Dusky Shark

Carcharhinus obscurus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; also federally prohibited (HMS) — release without removing from the water.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Finetooth Shark

Carcharhinus isodon

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Gag Grouper

Gray grouper Mycteroperca microlepis

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
24 in total length

Bag
1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
2026 season May 1 – Aug 1; quota-closed Aug 2, 2026 through Apr 30, 2027

Closed

Recreational ACL met; closure effective Aug 2, 2026.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Galapagos Shark

Carcharhinus galapagensis

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (Galapagos) — release in the water with minimal injury.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Golden Tilefish

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 per person per day within 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate

Season
2026 season Jan 1 - Mar 26; quota-closed Mar 27 - Dec 31, 2026

Closed

Closed for the rest of 2026 after the recreational ACL was met.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Goliath Grouper

Epinephelus itajara

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; also fully protected in federal waters.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Gray Triggerfish

Trigger Balistes capriscus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
12 in fork length

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

12 in FL applies off NC, SC, GA and east FL.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Graysby

Cephalopholis cruentata

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Great Hammerhead

Sphyrna mokarran

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
78" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

May not be retained if a swordfish, tuna, or billfish is on board. HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Great White Shark

White shark Carcharodon carcharias

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
—

Bag
No retention

Season
Prohibited

Put it back

On the federal prohibited-shark list — release immediately.
Gear: Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required when fishing with bait; HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required in federal waters.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-09-16
Greater Amberjack

AJ, Reef donkey Seriola dumerili

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
28 in fork length

Bag
1 per person per day

Season
Closed April 1–30 annually; open rest of year

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Gulf Flounder

Paralichthys albigutta

Size
15 in TL min

Bag
1/day

Season
Sep 1 - Sep 14, 2026 (plus Gulf-flounder-only ocean window Mar 9 - 22, 2026, now past)

Closed

FF-13-2026 allowed a Gulf-flounder-only hook-and-line window Mar 9-22 in ocean state waters south of Portsmouth Island; the standing 2026 season is FF-27-2026's Sep 1-14 for all flounder.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Gulf Kingfish

Whiting, Gulf whiting Menticirrhus littoralis

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Hickory Shad

Alosa mediocris

Size
No size limit

Bag
10/day aggregate with American shad

Season
Open year-round

Open

Aggregate creel set by annual DMF proclamation; American-shad sub-caps vary by river system.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Hogfish

Hog snapper Lachnolaimus maximus

Size
17 in FL min

Bag
2/day

Season
Open year-round

Open

Per snapper-grouper proclamation FF-10-2026.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Horse-eye Jack

Bigeye jack Caranx latus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

Not in the snapper-grouper jack complex (amberjacks, almaco, banded rudderfish, bar jack) — no limits apply.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Houndfish

Crocodile needlefish Tylosurus crocodilus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Jolthead Porgy

Calamus bajonado

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
King Mackerel

King, Kingfish, Smoker Scomberomorus cavalla

Size
24" FL min

Bag
3 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

NC state/joint waters; SAFMC mackerel proclamations may adjust — flyer note (H).
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Knobbed Porgy

Calamus nodosus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Lane Snapper

Lutjanus synagris

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
8 in total length

Bag
10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Lemon Shark

Negaprion brevirostris

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Lesser Amberjack

Seriola fasciata

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Mahi-Mahi

Dolphin, Dorado Coryphaena hippurus

Size
No size limit

Bag
10/day or 54 per trip, whichever is less (head boats 10/person/day)

Season
Open year-round

Open

Vessel trip cap does not apply on head boats.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Mangrove Snapper

Gray snapper, Mango Lutjanus griseus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
12 in total length

Bag
10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Listed as gray snapper in federal regulations.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Marbled Grouper

Sicklefish grouper Dermatolepis inermis

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
See note

Season
Year-round

Check

Not named in the snapper-grouper rules we track; grouper aggregate rules may apply. Check before keeping one — a rare, slow-growing species.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Mutton Snapper

Lutjanus analis

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
18 in total length

Bag
5 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

No more than 5 of the 10-snapper aggregate may be mutton snapper.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Nassau Grouper

Epinephelus striatus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; also prohibited under SAFMC federal rules.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Northern Kingfish

Sea mullet, Whiting, Roundhead Menticirrhus saxatilis

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Northern Stargazer

Astroscopus guttatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Nurse Shark

Ginglymostoma cirratum

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Ocean Triggerfish

Canthidermis sufflamen

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No specific bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (oceanic whitetip) — release in the water with minimal injury. Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Orange Filefish

Aluterus schoepfii

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Planehead Filefish

Foolfish Stephanolepis hispida

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Porbeagle

Lamna nasus

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54 in fork length

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip

Season
Open year-round

Open

Still an authorized species as of the latest HMS tables, but one alive at the boat must be released if tuna or billfish are aboard; permit + circle-hook rules apply.
Gear: Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required when fishing with bait; HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required in federal waters.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-09-16
Queen Snapper

Etelis oculatus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

12 in TL minimum removed in 2020.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Red Drum

Redfish, Puppy drum, Channel bass, Spottail bass Sciaenops ocellatus

Size
18–27" TL slot

Bag
1 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

Unlawful to possess over 27" TL or to gig, spear, or gaff red drum.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Red Grouper

Epinephelus morio

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
20 in total length

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
NC/SC federal waters: June 1 – Dec 31 (closed Jan 1 – May 31); GA/FL: May 1 – Dec 31

Open

Off GA and east FL the closure is Jan 1 – Apr 30 (opens May 1).
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Red Hake

Ling, Squirrel hake Urophycis chuss

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Red Hind

Epinephelus guttatus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Red Porgy

Pagrus pagrus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
14 in total length

Bag
1 per person per day

Season
May 1 – Jun 30; closed Jul 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027

Closed

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Red Snapper

Genuine red, American red Lutjanus campechanus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters. Federal SAFMC waters have separate short seasons — see SAFMC rules.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Rock Hind

Epinephelus adscensionis

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Rock Sea Bass

Centropristis philadelphica

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No specific bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC lists no size or bag limit for this snapper-grouper species; general gear/descending-device rules apply.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16 · likely
Round Scad

Cigar minnow Decapterus punctatus

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sailfish

Istiophorus platypterus

Size
63" LJFL min

Bag
1 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS permit required; billfish must be reported at NC HMS reporting stations.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sailors Choice

Haemulon parra

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sand Perch

Diplectrum formosum

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

Not part of the snapper-grouper complex — no limits.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sand Tiger

Carcharias taurus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; also federally prohibited (HMS) — release without removing from the water.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sand Tilefish

Malacanthus plumieri

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sandbar Shark

Carcharhinus plumbeus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; also federally prohibited for recreational retention (HMS).
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Saucereye Porgy

Calamus calamus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Scalloped Hammerhead

Sphyrna lewini

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
78" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

May not be retained if a swordfish, tuna, or billfish is on board. HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Scamp Grouper

Broomtail Mycteroperca phenax

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
20 in total length

Bag
1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth grouper combined), within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Scup

Stenotomus chrysops

Size
9 in TL min (N of Cape Hatteras)

Bag
30/day N of Cape Hatteras; S of Hatteras in 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

South of Cape Hatteras scup is a porgies-complex species inside the 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate (max 10).
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sharksucker

Remora Echeneis naucrates

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Sheepshead

Convict fish Archosargus probatocephalus

Size
14" TL min

Bag
5/day

Season
Open year-round

Open

Tightened effective Mar 1, 2026 (was 10" FL / 10 per day); measured total length like black drum.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Shortfin Mako

Isurus oxyrinchus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; federal HMS retention is also zero — release in the water.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Silk Snapper

Lutjanus vivanus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

12 in TL minimum removed in 2020.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Silky Shark

Ridgeback shark Carcharhinus falciformis

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Silver Perch

Bairdiella chrysoura

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Skipjack Tuna

Skippy, Oceanic bonito Katsuwonus pelamis

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

The boat needs an HMS Angling permit to fish for Atlantic tunas.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-09-16
Smooth Dogfish

Mustelus canis

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No federal recreational limit

Season
Year-round

Open

Smoothhound group — no federal size or bag limit; state rules may be stricter.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Smooth Hammerhead

Sphyrna zygaena

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
78 in fork length

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip

Season
Open year-round

Open

Federal waters only — Florida state waters prohibit all hammerhead harvest; can't be kept with tuna or billfish aboard.
Gear: Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required when fishing with bait; HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required in federal waters.
NOAA HMS 2025 · checked 2026-09-16
Snowy Grouper

Hyporthodus niveatus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
1 per vessel per day within 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate

Season
2026 season May 1 - Jun 6; quota-closed Jun 7, 2026 through Apr 30, 2027

Closed

2026 recreational ACL of 1,713 fish projected met by June 7.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Southern Flounder

Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma

Size
15 in TL min

Bag
1/day

Season
Sep 1 - Sep 14, 2026

Closed

FF-27-2026 (June 3, 2026) sets the all-species flounder season, superseding the January guide's closure.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Scomberomorus maculatus

Size
12" FL min

Bag
15 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Speckled Hind

Hyporthodus drummondhayi

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; also protected under SAFMC federal rules.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Spinner Shark

Carcharhinus brevipinna

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Spot

Leiostomus xanthurus

Size
No size limit

Bag
50/day

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Spotted Hake

Urophycis regia

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Spotted Seatrout

Speck, Spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus

Size
14-20 in TL slot

Bag
3/day

Season
Open year-round

Open

One of the 3 fish may be over 26 in TL.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Striped Bass

Striper, Rockfish Morone saxatilis

Size
28-31 in TL slot (Atlantic Ocean)

Bag
1/day (ocean)

Season
Ocean open year-round; internal waters closed

Open

Atlantic Ocean only: 1/day in 28-31 in TL harvest slot; Albemarle Sound Management Area season closed and Central Southern Management Area unlawful to possess.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Striped Burrfish

Spiny boxfish Chilomycterus schoepfii

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Striped Mullet

Mugil cephalus

Size
No size limit

Bag
100/day (striped and white mullet combined); vessel max 400

Season
Open year-round

Open

Vessel limit is 100 per angler up to a maximum of 400 per vessel.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Summer Flounder

Fluke Paralichthys dentatus

Size
15 in TL min

Bag
1/day

Season
Sep 1 - Sep 14, 2026

Closed

FF-27-2026 (June 3, 2026) sets the all-species flounder season, superseding the January guide's closure.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
47" LJFL min

Bag
1 per person, up to 4 per vessel per trip (private); higher for-hire vessel caps

Season
Year-round

Open

May not be retained if a hammerhead or oceanic whitetip shark is aboard.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Tarpon

Silver king Megalops atlanticus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Unlawful to possess in NC coastal and joint fishing waters.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
54" FL min

Bag
1 shark per vessel per trip — all authorized sharks combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required; non-offset circle hooks required with natural bait.
NOAA HMS 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Tomtate

Haemulon aurolineatum

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
No bag limit (excluded from the 20-fish aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

50 CFR 622.187 explicitly excludes tomtate from the aggregate bag limit.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Vermilion Snapper

Beeliner, B-liner Rhomboplites aurorubens

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
12 in total length

Bag
5 per person per day (separate from 10-snapper aggregate)

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Wahoo

Ono Acanthocybium solandri

Size
No size limit

Bag
2/day

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Warsaw Grouper

Hyporthodus nigritus

Size
N/A

Bag
No harvest or possession

Season
Closed year-round

Put it back

Prohibited in NC coastal and joint waters; also protected under SAFMC federal rules.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Weakfish

Gray trout, Squeteague Cynoscion regalis

Size
12 in TL min

Bag
1/day

Season
Open year-round

Open

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
White Grunt

Gray grunt, Key West grunt Haemulon plumierii

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
White Margate

Haemulon album

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Listed as 'Margate' (Haemulon album) in SAFMC regulations.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
White Marlin

Kajikia albida

Size
66" LJFL min

Bag
1 per vessel per trip — blue OR white marlin combined

Season
Year-round

Open

HMS permit required; billfish must be reported at NC HMS reporting stations before removal from vessel.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
White Mullet

Mugil curema

Size
No size limit

Bag
100/day (striped and white mullet combined); vessel max 400

Season
Open year-round

Open

Counted with striped mullet in the combined 100-fish limit.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Whitebone Porgy

Calamus leucosteus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Yellowedge Grouper

Hyporthodus flavolimbatus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
No size limit

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

Deepwater species; not part of the Jan–Apr shallow-water grouper closure.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Yellowfin Grouper

Fireback, Princess rockfish Mycteroperca venenosa

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
20 in total length

Bag
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Yellowfin Tuna

Ahi Thunnus albacares

Size
27" curved FL min

Bag
3 per person per day

Season
Year-round

Open

Federal HMS permit required for tunas. NC flyer lists bigeye and yellowfin together at 27" CFL, 3/day.
NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Yellowmouth Grouper

Mycteroperca interstitialis

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
20 in total length

Bag
1 per person per day (scamp or yellowmouth combined), within 3-grouper aggregate

Season
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
Yellowtail Snapper

Ocyurus chrysurus

Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists none of its own.

Size
12 in total length

Bag
10 per person per day within 10-snapper aggregate

Season
Open year-round

Open

SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16

Every other species

Finfish not listed in the 2026 NC recreational guide (updated 1/26/2026) carry no state size or bag limits; tautog, monkfish, skates, menhaden, barracuda and other unlisted roster species have no NC recreational rules. Rules change by proclamation.

Size: No size limit
Bag: No bag limit
Season: Open year-round

NC DMF 2026 · checked 2026-09-16

Mandatory harvest reporting

Every red drum, flounder, speckled trout, striped bass, or weakfish you keep in North Carolina waters must be reported to NC DMF — state law since Dec 1, 2025. Report as soon as the trip is over (the moment the boat reaches shore) in the NC DMF iPhone app or the online form; paper report cards are due by midnight the next day.

Species: Red Drum, Southern Flounder, Summer Flounder, Gulf Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, Weakfish.

How to report · NC DMF · checked 2026-09-04

Report to NOAA within 24 hours

HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat permit holders must report every bluefin tuna landing or dead discard, and every swordfish, marlin, or sailfish landing, within 24 hours of returning — online at hmspermits.noaa.gov, in the Catch Reporting app, or by phone.

Species: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish.

How to report · NOAA HMS · checked 2026-09-04

Licences and the fine print

A Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for anglers 16 and older in coastal waters.
Black sea bass rules differ north and south of Cape Hatteras.
NC prohibits harvest of many shark species by name — when in doubt, release.
Seasons and quotas change mid-year by proclamation. This guide is a reference, not the law — check NC DMF proclamations before keeping a borderline fish.
Some species in the guide aren't managed in the Carolinas — their pages carry the rules from the fish's home waters (Florida, New England, federal), named on the page.

Get a North Carolina license

Nearby waters: Virginia · South Carolina · all 19 rulebooks

Questions anglers ask about North Carolina

Do I need a license to fish saltwater in North Carolina?

A Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for anglers 16 and older in coastal waters.

How far out do North Carolina state waters go?