Can I Keep?Dolphin Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational dolphin 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
10/Day
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Dolphin rules in North Carolina
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- 10/Day
- (b) Limit of 10 per person per day or 54 per trip, whichever is less. On head boats, limit is 10 per person per day. No sale of recreational bag limit on vessels operating as charter or head boats.
- Current DMF proclamation: FF-30-2022 - DOLPHIN– RECREATIONAL VESSEL LIMIT – COASTAL FISHING WATERS (https://files.nc.gov/deq/documents/2022-04/FF-30-2022%20Dolphin%20vessel%20limit%20decrease_Final.pdf?VersionId=Sbi07_sOCABQSoOKXDplrJb73S5QV.4o)
Quick answers
What is the dolphin size limit in North Carolina?
None.
How many dolphin can I keep in North Carolina?
10/Day.
More offshore & pelagic in North Carolina
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Cobia
- 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.