Can I Keep?Shrimp Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational shrimp rules in North Carolina saltwater, as published by the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Shrimp rules in North Carolina
- Where
- Closed Shrimping Area (all waters)
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- 48 quarts (heads on) or 30 quarts (heads off) of shrimp per person per day or if a vessel is used, per vessel per day (Cast Net Only)
- Cast Net Only
- (n) Areas open to the taking of shrimp are set by proclamation, see the most recent DMF proclamation .
- Where
- Open Shrimping Area (all waters)
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- 48 quarts (heads on) or 30 quarts (heads off) of shrimp per person per day or if a vessel is used, per vessel per day (Cast Net Only). Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) holders are allowed up to 96 quarts (heads on) or 60 quarts (heads off) of shrimp if more than one person aboard a vessel possesses a valid RCGL.
- Cast Net Only
- (n) Areas open to the taking of shrimp are set by proclamation, see the most recent DMF proclamation .
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- All waters
- Season
- It shall be unlawful to take shrimp until the Fisheries Director, by proclamation, opens the season.
- It shall be unlawful to take shrimp with nets with mesh lengths less than the following: (1) trawl nets: one and one-half inches; (2) fixed nets, channel nets, float nets, butterfly nets, and hand seines: one and one -fourth inches; and (3) cast nets: no restriction.
- Mesh rule: http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2015a%20-%20environmental%20quality/chapter%2003%20-%20marine%20fisheries/subchapter%20l/15a%20ncac%2003l%20.0103.pdf
Quick answers
What is the shrimp size limit in North Carolina?
None (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many shrimp can I keep in North Carolina?
48 quarts (heads on) or 30 quarts (heads off) of shrimp per person per day or if a vessel is used, per vessel per day (Cast Net Only) (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
Compare Shrimp limits in other states →
More crabs, lobster & shrimp 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.