Red hindin North Carolina
Epinephelus guttatus
The rule in North Carolina
Federal rule (South Atlantic federal waters). North Carolina lists no rule of its own for red hind, so the council's rule applies in state waters too.
Counts toward an aggregate limit: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026· checked Open
North Carolina state record
10 lb 2.4 oz, Off Beaufort Inlet, 2023. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22
How to tell it
Pale body evenly covered in bright red spots — the 'strawberry grouper'. More on the red hind page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Red hind in other states
In the app
Point the camera at a red hind in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appRed hind in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for red hind in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many red hind can you keep in North Carolina?
3 per person per day within 3-grouper aggregate. It counts toward an aggregate: 3-grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is red hind season in North Carolina?
May 1 – Dec 31 (spawning closure Jan 1 – Apr 30). As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the North Carolina record red hind?
10 lb 2.4 oz, Off Beaufort Inlet (2023).
How current is this North Carolina red hind 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.