Golden tilefishin North Carolina
Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps
The rule in North Carolina
Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists no rule of its own for golden tilefish, so the council's rule applies in state waters too.
Closed for the rest of 2026 after the recreational ACL was met.
Counts toward an aggregate limit: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026· checked Closed
North Carolina state record
52 lb, Off Oregon Inlet, 2021. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Blue-gold flanks with yellow spots and the odd head crest. More on the golden tilefish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Golden tilefish in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a golden tilefish in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appGolden tilefish in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for golden tilefish in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many golden tilefish can you keep in North Carolina?
1 per person per day within 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate. It counts toward an aggregate: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is golden tilefish season in North Carolina?
2026 season Jan 1 - Mar 26; quota-closed Mar 27 - Dec 31, 2026. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is closed.
What is the North Carolina record golden tilefish?
52 lb, Off Oregon Inlet (2021).
How current is this North Carolina golden tilefish rule?
Source: SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026, last checked Sep 16, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.