Can I Keep?Bluefish Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational bluefish 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
None
Bag limit
5/Day
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Bluefish rules in North Carolina
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- 5/Day
- (m) Creel limit for bluefish is set by proclamation. See the most recent DMF proclamation at www.ncmarinefisheries.net . The recreational creel limit for bluefish is 5 fish per person per day in all private (non for-hire) recreational fisheries. Recreational anglers engaged on a for-hire vessel can possess up to 7 bluefish per person per day.
- (▲▲) For size, creel, season, and other requirements for fish taken in inland waters, please see www.ncwildlife.org .
- Current DMF proclamation: FF-1-2026 - BLUEFISH – RECREATIONAL – COASTAL AND JOINT FISHING WATERS (https://files.nc.gov/deq/documents/2025-12/FF-1-2026%20BlueFish%20Creel%20Limit%20Increase_0.pdf?VersionId=3bfWJDiuifYLflYVuFfFmyZ_x6Csecs3)
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters (all waters)
- Bag limit
- It shall be unlawful for an individual or commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of persons, license holders, or vessels involved, to possess, sell, or offer for sale more than 800 pounds of bluefish per day or per trip, whichever is more restrictive.
- Season
- The fishery will close by proclamation once the North Carolina commercial quota is projected to be reached or December 31, 2026, whichever occurs first. The fishery will close by proclamation once the annual North Carolina quota is projected to be reached or December 31, 2026, whichever occurs first.
- Proclamation FF-23-2026: BLUEFISH – COMMERCIAL – COASTAL AND JOINT FISHING WATERS (effective 12:01 A.M., April 13, 2026).
Quick answers
What is the bluefish size limit in North Carolina?
None.
How many bluefish can I keep in North Carolina?
5/Day.
Compare Bluefish limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in North Carolina
- Blue Marlin
- Cobia
- Dolphin
- King Mackerel
- Prohibited Sharks
- Sailfish
- Sharks
- Spanish Mackerel
- Spiny Dogfish
- Tuna: Bluefin, Bigeye and Yellowfin
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
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.