Round scadin North Carolina
Decapterus punctatus
Also called Cigar minnow.
The rule in North Carolina
North Carolina’s own rule for round scad 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round scadThis page. | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-round |
| Spanish sardineNo finlets, no scutes.Tell them apart | Not listed by North Carolina: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit) | ||
| Blue runnerDeeper body, no detached finlet.Tell them apart | Not listed by North Carolina: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit) | ||
How to tell it
Slim cigar of a baitfish with a detached finlet behind both dorsal and anal fins and scutes near the tail. More on the round scad page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
In the app
Point the camera at a round scad in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appRound scad in North Carolina: the questions
What is the size limit for round scad in North Carolina?
No size limit.
How many round scad can you keep in North Carolina?
No bag limit.
When is round scad season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
How current is this North Carolina round scad 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.