Graysbyin North Carolina
Cephalopholis cruentata
The rule in North Carolina
Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists no rule of its own for graysby, so the council's rule applies in state waters too.
Counts toward an aggregate limit: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026· checked Open
North Carolina state record
3 lb 8 oz, Off Southport, 2026. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Small brown grouper with 3–5 dark dots along the dorsal base. More on the graysby page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Graysby in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a graysby in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appGraysby in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for graysby in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many graysby can you keep in North Carolina?
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate. It counts toward an aggregate: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is graysby season in North Carolina?
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30). As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the North Carolina record graysby?
3 lb 8 oz, Off Southport (2026).
How current is this North Carolina graysby 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.