King mackerelin North Carolina
Scomberomorus cavalla
Also called King, Kingfish, Smoker.
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for king mackerel in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
NC state/joint waters; SAFMC mackerel proclamations may adjust — flyer note (H).
Measured as fork length (FL): snout to the fork of the tail.
NC DMF 2026· checked Open
Beyond 3 miles: federal waters
A different rule past the 3-mile line, written by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Where the two differ, the water you are in decides.
Atlantic migratory group, Coastal Migratory Pelagics FMP.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked 2026-09-16
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| King mackerelThis page. | 24" FL min | 3 per person per day | Year-round |
| Spanish mackerelLateral line slopes gently, keeps its spots.Tell them apart | 12" FL min | 15 per person per day | Year-round |
| False albacoreStockier, worm-track markings, no dipping lateral line.Tell them apart | Not listed by North Carolina: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit) | ||
North Carolina state record
82 lb 4 oz, Off Ocracoke, 1999. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Lateral line takes a sharp dip below the second dorsal; juveniles can carry spots — check the line, not the spots. More on the king mackerel page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
King mackerel in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a king mackerel in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appKing mackerel in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for king mackerel in North Carolina?
24" FL min. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many king mackerel can you keep in North Carolina?
3 per person per day.
When is king mackerel season in North Carolina?
Year-round.
What is the North Carolina record king mackerel?
82 lb 4 oz, Off Ocracoke (1999).
How current is this North Carolina king mackerel 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.