Blackbelly rosefishin North Carolina
Helicolenus dactylopterus
Also called Rosefish, Rosie.
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for blackbelly rosefish in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
No longer in the SAFMC snapper-grouper complex — no size, bag, or season for this deep-drop catch.
Gear: Non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks required when using natural baits; Descending device on board, rigged and ready to use.
SAFMC / NC DMF 2026· checked Open
How to tell it
Rosy-orange, big-eyed, spiny-headed deep-drop fish with a dusky mouth lining. More on the blackbelly rosefish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
In the app
Point the camera at a blackbelly rosefish in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appBlackbelly rosefish in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for blackbelly rosefish in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many blackbelly rosefish can you keep in North Carolina?
No bag limit.
When is blackbelly rosefish season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this North Carolina blackbelly rosefish rule?
Source: SAFMC / 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.