Atlantic butterfishin North Carolina
Peprilus triacanthus
Also called Dollarfish.
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for Atlantic butterfish in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
NC DMF 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic butterfishThis page. | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-round |
| Atlantic bumperHas ventral fins and a black tail-base saddle.Tell them apart | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-round |
How to tell it
A round silver coin of a fish with no ventral fins at all; slippery to hold. More on the Atlantic butterfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
In the app
Point the camera at an Atlantic butterfish in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appAtlantic butterfish in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for Atlantic butterfish in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic butterfish can you keep in North Carolina?
No bag limit.
When is Atlantic butterfish season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this North Carolina Atlantic butterfish rule?
Source: NC DMF 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.