Bigeye tunain North Carolina
Thunnus obesus
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for bigeye tuna in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
Federal HMS permit required for tunas. NC flyer lists bigeye and yellowfin together at 27" CFL, 3/day.
Measured as curved fork length (CFL): snout to the fork of the tail, measured along the curve of the body.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bigeye tunaThis page. | 27" curved FL min | 3 per person per day | Year-round |
| Yellowfin tunaBrighter yellow fins, slimmer profile.Tell them apart | 27" curved FL min | 3 per person per day | Year-round |
North Carolina state record
311 lb 8 oz, Off Oregon Inlet, 1992. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Stockier than yellowfin, oversized eye, duskier fins; honest answer — hard to call, measure and check. More on the bigeye tuna page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
In the app
Point the camera at a bigeye tuna in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appBigeye tuna in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for bigeye tuna in North Carolina?
27" curved FL min. Measured as curved fork length: snout to the fork of the tail, measured along the curve of the body.
How many bigeye tuna can you keep in North Carolina?
3 per person per day.
When is bigeye tuna season in North Carolina?
Year-round.
What is the North Carolina record bigeye tuna?
311 lb 8 oz, Off Oregon Inlet (1992).
How current is this North Carolina bigeye tuna 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.