Gulf kingfishin North Carolina
Menticirrhus littoralis
Also called Whiting, Gulf whiting.
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for Gulf kingfish in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
NC DMF 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf kingfishThis page. | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-round |
| Southern kingfishGray-barred, not plain silver.Tell them apart | Not listed by North Carolina: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit) | ||
| Northern kingfishBold bars and a shoulder V.Tell them apart | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-round |
North Carolina state record
3 lb 13 oz, Kure Beach, 2020. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
The palest kingfish — plain silver with a dusky tail tip and chin barbel; lives in the wash. More on the Gulf kingfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
In the app
Point the camera at a Gulf kingfish in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appGulf kingfish in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for Gulf kingfish in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many Gulf kingfish can you keep in North Carolina?
No bag limit.
When is Gulf kingfish season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
What is the North Carolina record Gulf kingfish?
3 lb 13 oz, Kure Beach (2020).
How current is this North Carolina Gulf kingfish rule?
Source: 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.