Mullet Regulations in North Carolina (2026)

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

Bag limit

100/Day (species combined)

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Mullet rules in North Carolina

Where: All waters
Bag limit: 100/Day (species combined)

Listed on the page as: Mullet (striped and white) (O)
(o) The recreational individual bag limit for mullet (striped and white combined) is 100 fish per person per day. The recreational vessel limit is 100 fish per angler fishing up to a maximum of 400 fish per vessel. For Hire Operations may possess the 100 fish individual bag limit for all anglers fishing on the boat up to the 400 fish vessel limit, including in advance of a trip.
(▲▲) For size, creel, season, and other requirements for fish taken in inland waters, please see www.ncwildlife.org .
Current DMF proclamation: FF-27-2024 - MULLET – RECREATIONAL - COASTAL AND JOINT FISHING WATERS INCLUDING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN – TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF RULES (https://files.nc.gov/deq/documents/2024-06/FF-27-2024-MulletRecreational_Final.pdf?VersionId=.RTBCXWXt5t2sHnf3sDFtXq9HOkDcZ4o)

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters including the Atlantic Ocean (all waters)
Season: From January 1 through September 30, it shall be unlawful for a commercial fishing operation to take or land mullet for commercial purposes from 11:59 P.M. Friday to 12:01 A.M. Monday each week. From October 1 through December 31, it shall be unlawful for a commercial fishing operation to take or land mullet for commercial purposes from 11:59 P.M. Friday to 12:01 A.M. Tuesday each week.

It shall be unlawful to use or possess gill nets on board a vessel while in possession of striped mullet during times described in Section I.A and Section I.B.
Proclamation FF-26-2024: MULLET – COMMERCIAL – COASTAL AND JOINT FISHING WATERS INCLUDING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN – HARVEST RESTRICTIONS (effective 12:01 A.M. June 24, 2024).

Official source

Quick answers

How many mullet can I keep in North Carolina?

100/Day (species combined).

Compare Mullet 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.