Red Drum Regulations in North Carolina (2026)

Where

Coastal Fishing Waters (all waters)

Size limit

15A NCAC 03M .0501(c): It shall be unlawful to possess red drum less than 18 inches total length or greater than 27 inches total length.

Bag limit

It is unlawful to possess more than seven (7) red drum per day taken in a commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of individuals or vessels involved.; It is unlawful to possess red drum taken in a commercial fishing operation that is not in legal possession of either, flounder, bluefish, black drum, or striped mullet caught on the same day.; It is unlawful to land or transport red drum taken in a commercial fishing operation unless the weight of the combined daily landed catch of flounder, bluefish, black drum or striped mullet exceeds the daily catch of red drum.

• It shall be unlawful to remove red drum from any type of net with the aid of any boat hook, gaff, spear, gig, or similar device.
• It shall be unlawful to take or possess red drum taken by any boat hook, gaff, spear, gig, or similar device.
• 15A NCAC 03M .0501(e) (http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2015a%20-%20environmental%20quality/chapter%2003%20-%20marine%20fisheries/subchapter%20m/15a%20ncac%2003m%20.0501.pdf): Annual commercial harvest limit for red drum: (1) The annual commercial harvest limit for red drum shall be 250,000 pounds.
• 15A NCAC 03M .0501(e) (http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2015a%20-%20environmental%20quality/chapter%2003%20-%20marine%20fisheries/subchapter%20m/15a%20ncac%2003m%20.0501.pdf): The annual commercial harvest limit for red drum shall be calculated from September 1 through August 31 and is allotted in two periods: (A) September 1 through April 30 at 150,000 pounds; and (B) May 1 through August 31 at 100,000 pounds plus any remainder fro m the first period allotment.
• Proclamation FF-33-2022: RED DRUM - COMMERCIAL – HARVEST RESTRICTIONS (effective 12:01 A.M., Sunday, May 22, 2022).

Official source