Great white sharkin North Carolina
Carcharodon carcharias
Also called White shark.
The rule in North Carolina
Federal rule (NOAA Highly Migratory Species). North Carolina lists no rule of its own for great white shark, so the council's rule applies in state waters too.
On the federal prohibited-shark list — release immediately.
Gear: Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required when fishing with bait; HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required in federal waters.
NOAA HMS 2025· checked Put it back
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great white sharkThis page. | — | No retention | Prohibited |
| Shortfin makoSlimmer, with smooth-edged dagger teeth.Tell them apart | N/A | No harvest or possession | Closed year-round |
How to tell it
Conical snout, black eye, torpedo bulk; serrated triangular teeth; stark white underside. More on the great white shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Great white shark in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a great white shark in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appGreat white shark in North Carolina: the questions
Can you keep great white shark in North Carolina?
No. Harvest is prohibited in NOAA Highly Migratory Species waters, and North Carolina lists no rule of its own. Release it in the water where you can. On the federal prohibited-shark list — release immediately.
How current is this North Carolina great white shark rule?
Source: NOAA HMS 2025, 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.