bottom

Black Sea Bass

Centropristis striata

SE Atlantic structure fish — live bottom + wrecks 60–200 ft. Squid + cut bait on jigs. Federally regulated (SAFMC) with seasonal closures.

Preferred water temp55–75°F

Preferred depth40–350 ft

Holds onlive bottom, wrecks, reefs

In our regions

Miami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouth Carolina CoastCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticGeorgia CoastNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)Northeast Florida — AtlanticAlabama GulfLouisiana GulfMississippi Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 8 regulations for North Carolina

FEDERAL

Federal Atlantic (3–200 nm) — SAFMC

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Minimum: 13″ TL (total length)

5/angler/day, 13" TL min. SAFMC South Atlantic stock — season typically open year-round.

SAFMC.

NC_ATLANTIC

North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Minimum: 13″ TL (total length)

5/angler/day, 13" TL min south of Cape Hatteras (SAFMC zone). North of Hatteras: 15/angler, 12.5" TL (Mid-Atlantic FMC).

NC DMF.