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Wreckfish

Polyprion americanus

Deep-reef species (1300-2000 ft) targeted off SE Atlantic, especially the Charleston Bump/Blake Plateau (SC, GA, NC offshore). Specialized deep-drop fishery; SAFMC-managed.

In our regions

North Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)

Regulations

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

Showing 12 of 12 regulations

TX_GULF

Texas — State waters (0–9 nm) · TPWD

Currently CLOSEDClosed

Not present in Gulf.

LA_GULF

Louisiana — State waters (0–3 nm) · LDWF

Currently CLOSEDClosed

Not present in Gulf.

MS_GULF

Mississippi — State waters (0–3 nm) · MS DMR

Currently CLOSEDClosed

Not present in Gulf.

AL_GULF

Alabama — State waters (0–3 nm) · AL CNR-MRD

Currently CLOSEDClosed

Not present in Gulf.

NC_ATLANTIC

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

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Vessel limit: 1 total / vessel / day

Follows SAFMC.

GA_ATLANTIC

Georgia — State waters (0–3 nm) · GA DNR

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Vessel limit: 1 total / vessel / day

Follows SAFMC: rec open Jul 1 - Aug 31 only.

BAHAMAS

Bahamas — Department of Marine Resources

Currently CLOSEDClosed

Not present in Bahamian waters at recreational depths.

FEDERAL

Federal Gulf (9–200 nm) — GMFMC

Currently CLOSEDClosed

Not managed in Gulf federal waters.

FEDERAL

Federal Atlantic (3–200 nm) — SAFMC

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Vessel limit: 1 total / vessel / day

SAFMC: Closed Sep 1 - Jun 30 2025-2026. Rec open Jul 1 - Aug 31. 1/person, 1/vessel. Descending device required.

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently CLOSEDClosed

Wreckfish is a S Atlantic deep-water species. Not present in Gulf waters typically.

Range limited; no Gulf fishery.

STATE

FL Atlantic — State waters (0–3 nm)

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Vessel limit: 1 total / vessel / day

Recreational season Jul 1 - Aug 31 only. Closed Sep 1 - Jun 30. 1/person, 1/vessel when open. Land head/fins intact.

SC_ATLANTIC

South Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · SCDNR

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Vessel limit: 1 total / vessel / day

Follows SAFMC. SC has the historic wreckfish fishery (Charleston Bump).

SC is the primary wreckfish state.