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

REGULATIONS / NORTH CAROLINA

Red Drum 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
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.Listed open1 per person per day18"OPEN
LISTED LIMIT
1 per person per day
LISTED MIN SIZE
18 inches
LISTED MAX SIZE
27 inches
APPLICABILITY
Coastal 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.
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.