Atlantic croakerin North Carolina
Micropogonias undulatus
Also called Hardhead.
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for Atlantic croaker in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
NC DMF 2026· checked Open
North Carolina state record
5 lb, Oregon Inlet, 1981. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Small barbels under the chin, brassy croaking panfish. More on the Atlantic croaker page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic croaker in other states
In the app
Point the camera at an Atlantic croaker in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appAtlantic croaker in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for Atlantic croaker in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic croaker can you keep in North Carolina?
50/day.
When is Atlantic croaker season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the North Carolina record Atlantic croaker?
5 lb, Oregon Inlet (1981).
How current is this North Carolina Atlantic croaker 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.