Black Drum Regulations in North Carolina (2026)

Recreational black drum rules in North Carolina saltwater, as published by the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

14" Min - 25" Max TL

Bag limit

10/Day

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Black Drum rules in North Carolina

Where: All waters
Size limit: 14" Min - 25" Max TL
Bag limit: 10/Day

(c) Unlawful to possess red drum greater than 27” TL. Unlawful to gig, spear, or gaff red drum. One black drum per person per day over 25” TL is allowed.
(▲▲) For size, creel, season, and other requirements for fish taken in inland waters, please see www.ncwildlife.org .
Current DMF proclamation: FF-73-2013 - BLACK DRUM - RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL (https://files.nc.gov/deq/documents/2021-10/FF-73-2013-Black-Drum.pdf?VersionId=oUfNA5LFa.ekdkovi.F57.XGs8zzTF11)

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters (all waters)
Size limit: It is unlawful to possess black drum less than 14 inches total length or greater than 25 inches total length, except that one (1) black drum over 25 inches total length may be retained .
Bag limit: It is unlawful for any commercial fishing o peration, regardless of the number of persons, license holders or vessels involved, to posse ss more than 500 pounds of black drum per trip.

Proclamation FF-73-2013: BLACK DRUM - RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL (effective 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, January 1, 2014).

Official source

Quick answers

What is the black drum size limit in North Carolina?

14" Min - 25" Max TL.

How many black drum can I keep in North Carolina?

10/Day.

Compare Black Drum limits in other states →

More inshore in North Carolina

All North Carolina saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a North Carolina saltwater license or registry: get one here.