CHUM Get the app

Rules by state · North Carolina

Spotin North Carolina

Leiostomus xanthurus

Recreational rule, NC DMF 2026, checked Sep 20, 2026. The official rulebook is the final word.

Studio photograph of a Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), side view, on a white background

The rule in North Carolina

North Carolina’s own rule for spot in state waters, out to 3 nautical miles.

SizeNo size limit
Bag50/day
SeasonOpen year-round

NC DMF 2026· checked Open

North Carolina state record

1 lb 13 oz, Manns Harbor, 1979. NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22

How to tell it

Single dark shoulder spot, forked tail, no barbels. More on the spot page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.

Spot in other states

Florida (Atlantic)Florida (Gulf)Every state

In the app

Point the camera at a spot in North Carolina and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.

Get the app

Spot in North Carolina: the questions

What is the size limit for spot in North Carolina?

No size limit.

How many spot can you keep in North Carolina?

50/day.

When is spot season in North Carolina?

Open year-round.

What is the North Carolina record spot?

1 lb 13 oz, Manns Harbor (1979).

How current is this North Carolina spot 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.