Almaco jackin North Carolina
Seriola rivoliana
Also called Almaco.
The rule in North Carolina
Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists no rule of its own for almaco jack, so the council's rule applies in state waters too.
Counts toward an aggregate limit: 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026· checked Open
Often mistaken for, and their North Carolina rules
Keep the wrong fish and the rule that applies is the other one’s.
| Fish | Size | Bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almaco jackThis page. | No size limit | 10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate | Open year-round |
| Greater amberjackSlimmer, lower dorsal lobe, stronger amber stripe.Tell them apart | 28 in fork length | 1 per person per day | Closed April 1–30 annually; open rest of year |
North Carolina state record
60 lb 8 oz, Off Hatteras, 2025. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Deep body, dramatically tall and curved front dorsal lobe, darker overall than an amberjack. More on the almaco jack page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Almaco jack in other states
In the app
Point the camera at an almaco jack in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appAlmaco jack in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for almaco jack in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many almaco jack can you keep in North Carolina?
10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate. It counts toward an aggregate: 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate.
When is almaco jack season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the North Carolina record almaco jack?
60 lb 8 oz, Off Hatteras (2025).
How current is this North Carolina almaco jack rule?
Source: SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026, last checked Sep 16, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.