NC_ATLANTIC
North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF
Currently OPENOpen year-round
- Bag limit
- 10 / angler / day
- Minimum
- 10″ FL (fork length)
10/person/day, 10" FL min.
NC DMF.
nearshore
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Spring spawning aggregations on structure. Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, oysters on small jigs. Subtle bite, fast hookset.
Preferred water temp50–80°F
Preferred depth5–50 ft
Peak monthsFeb, Mar, Apr
Holds onpilings, bridges, jetties, oyster bars, rocky bottom
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