NC_ATLANTIC
North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF
Currently OPENOpen year-round
- Bag limit
- 10 / angler / day
- Minimum
- 14″ TL (total length)
10/person/day, 14" TL min, no more than 5 fish > 25".
NC DMF.
inshore
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Bigger cousin of redfish. Crab and shrimp on the bottom on incoming tide near structure. Spring spawning aggregations are eye-popping.
Preferred water temp50–80°F
Preferred depth5–50 ft
Peak monthsFeb, Mar, Apr
Holds onpasses, docks, oyster bars, channel edges
In our regions
Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfLouisiana GulfTexas Gulf
Regulations
⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.
Showing 1 of 10 regulations for North Carolina