Can I Keep?Croaker Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational croaker 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
50/Day
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Croaker rules in North Carolina
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- 50/Day
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters (all waters)
- Season
- This proclamation closes the commercial Atlantic croaker fishery in North Carolina Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters effective 12:01 A.M., December 16, 2026. The fishery will re-open at 12:01 A.M., January 1, 2027. It shall be unlawful to take Atlantic croaker in a commercial fishing operation after 12:01 A.M., December 16, 2026 until the season reopens at 12:01 A.M., January 1, 2027. The fishery will re-open at 12:01 A.M., on January 1, 2027.
- Proclamation FF-49-2026: ATLANTIC CROAKER – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS – CLOSURE (effective 12:01 A.M., December 16, 2026).
Quick answers
What is the croaker size limit in North Carolina?
None.
How many croaker can I keep in North Carolina?
50/Day.
More inshore in North Carolina
- Alewife and Blueback Herring
- American Eel
- American Shad
- Black Drum
- Flounder
- Hickory Shad
- Mullet
- Red Drum
- Sheepshead
- Spot
- Spotted Seatrout
- Striped Bass
- Tarpon
- Weakfish
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.