Don’t Die FishingHOW IT WORKSREGULATIONSLIVE CONDITIONSSIGN INGET STARTED

STATE

Alabama10Alaska7California12Connecticut8Florida12Georgia12Hawaii8Louisiana12Maine10Maryland11Massachusetts18Mississippi10New Hampshire9New Jersey9New York10North Carolina10Oregon10Puerto Rico10Rhode Island9South Carolina12Texas12Virginia12Washington8

Saltwater recreational limits, refreshed each season from the state agency.

REGULATIONS / NORTH CAROLINA

Dolphin regulations

North Carolina · Curated reference 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.

2026
SOURCENC Division of Marine Fisheries size and bag limits ↗UPDATED JULY 1, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCChecked 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.
LISTINGOPENListed open
SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING
DolphinNo minimum length is shown in the current table. The guide's footnote B supplies the 54-per-trip and head-boat qualifications.Listed open10 per person per day or 54 per trip, whichever is less; head boats 10 per person per day—OPEN
LISTED LIMIT
10 per person per day or 54 per trip, whichever is less; head boats 10 per person per day
APPLICABILITY
No minimum length is shown in the current table. The guide's footnote B supplies the 54-per-trip and head-boat qualifications.
SOURCE AUTHORITY
North Carolina DEQ Division of Marine Fisheries, Recreational Size and Bag Limits (effective July 1, 2026)

UPDATED July 1, 2026 · CHECKED Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · EFFECTIVE YEAR 2026

NC Division of Marine Fisheries size and bag limits ↗

The NCDMF page is an informational summary; proclamations and the applicable state rules are authoritative.

This reference does not grant permission to fish or retain a catch. Location, method, vessel, species identification, and emergency closures can change what applies. Verify the applicable official rules.