Can I Keep?Spot Regulations in North Carolina (2026)
Recreational spot 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
None
Bag limit
50/Day
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Spot rules in North Carolina
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- 50/Day
- Current DMF proclamation: FF-23-2021 - SPOT – HOOK AND LINE OR FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES – CREEL LIMITS (https://files.nc.gov/deq/documents/2021-10/FF-23-2021-SPOT-RECREATIONAL-LIMIT_FINAL.pdf?VersionId=msX7bGZRc2XTxZ5uvStrq4zu89Prj591)
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters (all waters)
- Season
- This proclamation closes the commercial spot fishery in North Carolina Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters effective 12:01 A.M., January 1, 2027. The fishery will re-open at 12:01 A.M., April 29, 2026. It shall be unlawful to take spot in a commercial fishing operation after 12:01 A.M., January 1, 2027 until the season reopens at 12:01 A.M., April 29, 2027. This proclamation closes the commercial spot fishery in North Carolina Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters starting 12:01 A.M., on January 1, 2027. The fishery will re-open at 12:01 A.M., on April 29, 2027.
- Proclamation FF-50-2026: SPOT – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS – CLOSURE (effective 12:01 A.M., January 1, 2027).
Quick answers
What is the spot size limit in North Carolina?
None.
How many spot can I keep in North Carolina?
50/Day.
Compare Spot limits in other states →
More inshore in North Carolina
- Alewife and Blueback Herring
- American Eel
- American Shad
- Black Drum
- Croaker
- Flounder
- Hickory Shad
- Mullet
- Red Drum
- Sheepshead
- Spotted Seatrout
- Striped Bass
- Tarpon
- Weakfish
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.