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North Carolina fishing regulations

Curated references from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected North Carolina saltwater reference subset is not a complete rulebook.

OPEN NOWALL SPECIESAUG 2026

SOURCENC Division of Marine Fisheries size and bag limits ↗UPDATED JULY 1, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCRules vary by location, method, vessel, and emergency closure.The NCDMF page is an informational summary; proclamations and the applicable state rules are authoritative.

SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING

Black Drum14-inch minimum to 25-inch maximum total length (TL); the guide's footnote also allows one black drum per person per day over 25 inches TL.10 per person per day14"OPEN

DolphinNo minimum length is shown in the current table. The guide's footnote B supplies the 54-per-trip and head-boat qualifications.10 per person per day or 54 per trip, whichever is less; head boats 10 per person per day—OPEN

Flounder (All Species)The current coastal/joint-water table marks all flounder species CLOSED and UNLAWFUL TO POSSESS.——CLOSED

King Mackerel24-inch fork length (FL) minimum; the guide refers anglers to federal management and the most recent mackerel proclamation for additional requirements.3 per person per day24"OPEN

Red DrumCoastal and joint waters; 18-inch minimum to 27-inch maximum total length (TL). Red drum greater than 27 inches may not be possessed; gigging, spearing, and gaffing are unlawful.1 per person per day18"OPEN

Red SnapperRed snapper is explicitly listed among prohibited finfish species for coastal and joint waters (internal waters and Atlantic Ocean out to 3 miles).——CLOSED

Sheepshead14-inch total length (TL) minimum.5 per person per day14"OPEN

Spanish Mackerel12-inch fork length (FL) minimum; the guide refers anglers to federal management and the most recent mackerel proclamation for additional requirements.15 per person per day12"OPEN

Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)14-20 inch total length (TL); the same table also states 1 fish greater than 26 inches TL, an over-slot exception to record exactly as displayed.3 per person per day14"OPEN

Striped Bass (Coastal Atlantic Ocean)Atlantic Ocean coastal rule: year-round 28-31 inch total length (TL) harvest slot. The guide states Albemarle Sound is currently closed and the Central Southern Management Area has unlawful possession; striped bass may not be gigged, speared, or gaffed.1 per person per day28"OPEN

Reference only, not permission to fish or retain a catch. Verify the current official regulations before you go.