Atlantic spadefishin North Carolina
Chaetodipterus faber
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for Atlantic spadefish in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
Per FF-10-2026 spadefish counts in the 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate, max 10 of any one listed species.
Counts toward an aggregate limit: Snapper-grouper 20-fish aggregate.
NC DMF 2026· checked Open
Beyond 3 miles: federal waters
A different rule past the 3-mile line, written by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Where the two differ, the water you are in decides.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
North Carolina state record
11 lb 3 oz, Off Hatteras Village, 2009. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Silver disc with faint dark bars; travels in spirals. More on the Atlantic spadefish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic spadefish in other states
In the app
Point the camera at an Atlantic spadefish in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appAtlantic spadefish in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for Atlantic spadefish in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic spadefish can you keep in North Carolina?
20/day aggregate (max 10 spadefish). It counts toward an aggregate: Snapper-grouper 20-fish aggregate.
When is Atlantic spadefish season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the North Carolina record Atlantic spadefish?
11 lb 3 oz, Off Hatteras Village (2009).
How current is this North Carolina Atlantic spadefish 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.