Can I Keep?Sharks Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational sharks 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
See most recent DMF proclamations
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Sharks rules in North Carolina
- Where
- All waters
- Bag limit
- See most recent DMF proclamations
- (g) In state or federal waters, federal permit required for Highly Migratory Species, tunas, billfishes, swordfish and sharks (excluding Atlantic bonito, little tunny (false albacore), and blackfin tuna): https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ 978-281-9370. Prior to removal from vessel, all billfishes, swordfish and bluefin tuna must be reported at NC HMS reporting stations. See the DMF website for more details. For seasons, bag limits, size limits or closures for tunas, billfishes, and sharks contact NMFS Highly Migratory Species Division 800-894-5528.
- Federal HMS Management
Quick answers
How many sharks can I keep in North Carolina?
See most recent DMF proclamations.
More offshore & pelagic in North Carolina
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Cobia
- Dolphin
- King Mackerel
- Prohibited Sharks
- Sailfish
- 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.