Greater amberjackin North Carolina
Seriola dumerili
Also called AJ, Reef donkey.
The rule in North Carolina
Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists no rule of its own for greater amberjack, so the council's rule applies in state waters too.
Measured as fork length (FL): snout to the fork of the tail.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater amberjackThis page. | 28 in fork length | 1 per person per day | Closed April 1–30 annually; open rest of year |
| Almaco jackDeeper body, tall sickle-shaped dorsal lobe.Tell them apart | No size limit | 10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate | Open year-round |
| Banded rudderfishJuvenile bars; small adults with tail-tip white.Tell them apart | No size limit | 10 per person per day within 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate | Open year-round |
North Carolina state record
126 lb 7 oz, Off Swansboro, 2008. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Dark band through the eye to the first dorsal; amber side stripe; 11 or fewer dorsal rays than almaco's tall sickle. More on the greater amberjack page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Greater amberjack in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a greater amberjack in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appGreater amberjack in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for greater amberjack in North Carolina?
28 in fork length. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many greater amberjack can you keep in North Carolina?
1 per person per day.
When is greater amberjack season in North Carolina?
Closed April 1–30 annually; open rest of year. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the North Carolina record greater amberjack?
126 lb 7 oz, Off Swansboro (2008).
How current is this North Carolina greater amberjack 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.