Spiny Lobster Regulations in North Carolina (2026)

Recreational spiny lobster 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

3" Carapace Length (L)

Bag limit

2/Trip

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Spiny Lobster rules in North Carolina

Where: All waters
Size limit: 3" Carapace Length (L)
Bag limit: 2/Trip

(k) See the most recent DMF proclamation at www.ncmarinefisheries.net . In accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03L .0302, it is unlawful to possess an egg bearing spiny lobster or a spiny lobster which eggs have been scrubbed or removed. It is unlawful to possess aboard a vessel or land detached spiny lobster tails, or to use a gaff hook, spear, or similar device to take spiny lobsters.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Coastal Fishing Waters (ocean)
Size limit: It is unlawful to possess spiny lobster with a carapace length less than 3 inches.
Bag limit: It is unlawful to possess aboard a vessel or land more than two spiny lobsters per person per trip.

It is unlawful to take spiny lobster with a gaff hook , spear or other device.
It is unlawful to take spiny lobster in a directed fishery by the use of a net or trawl.
It is unlawful to take spiny lobster with the use of poisons or explosives.
It is unlawful to take spiny lobster with the use of pots or traps.
It is unlawful to sell or offer for sale spiny lobster specified in 50 CFR Part §622.400 unless a Federal vessel permit is issued to the harvesting vessel and shall be on board.
It is unlawful to purchase spiny lobster taken from waters under the jurisdiction of North Carolina or the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council without a valid Federal Gulf and South Atlantic Dealer Permit.
It is unlawful to possess an egg bearing spiny lobster or a spiny lobster from which eggs have been stripped, scrubbed or removed.
It is unlawful to possess aboard a vessel or land detached spiny lobster tails.
Proclamation M-7-2022: SPINY LOBSTER - COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL (effective 12:01 A.M., Saturday, April 2, 2022).

Official source

Quick answers

What is the spiny lobster size limit in North Carolina?

3" Carapace Length (L).

How many spiny lobster can I keep in North Carolina?

2/Trip.

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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.