Red hakein North Carolina
Urophycis chuss
Also called Ling, Squirrel hake.
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for red hake in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.
NC DMF 2026· checked · likelyOpen
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red hakeThis page. | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-round |
| Spotted hakeRow of dark spots along the lateral line.Tell them apart | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-round |
| Atlantic codSquare tail, heavier body, pale lateral line.Tell them apart | Not listed by North Carolina: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit) | ||
How to tell it
Soft-rayed codling with a ribbon-thin first-dorsal ray, a chin barbel, and slim reddish-brown body. More on the red hake page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
In the app
Point the camera at a red hake in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appRed hake in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for red hake in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many red hake can you keep in North Carolina?
No bag limit.
When is red hake season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this North Carolina red hake 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.