Wreckfish Regulations in North Carolina (2026)

Recreational wreckfish 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

It shall be unlawful to possess more than one (1) wreckfish per…

Season

except from July 1 through August 31 of each year

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Wreckfish rules in North Carolina

Where: Waters under the jurisdiction of North Carolina or the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (ocean)
Bag limit: It shall be unlawful to possess more than one (1) wreckfish per vessel per day.
Season: except from July 1 through August 31 of each year

It shall be unlawful to fail to use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks (50 CFR Part §622.2) while fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species while using natural baits as specified in 50 CFR Part §622.
It shall be unlawful to fail to possess a descending device on board which is readily available for use while fishing for or possessing snapper -grouper species as specified in 50 CFR Part §622.188.
Section XVI of proclamation FF-45-2026 (SNAPPER GROUPER COMPLEX – RECREATIONAL – ESTABLISH GAG AND BLACK GROUPER AGGREGATE VESSEL LIMIT - REGULATORY AMENDMENT 36 NEW MANAGEMENT MEASURES).
XVIII. Harvest Restrictions A. It shall be unlawful to fail to use dehooking tools in the snapper grouper fisheries when the fish is to be released as specified in 50 CFR Part §622.188. B. It shall be unlawful to possess any species of the snapper grouper complex without heads and fins intact as specified in 50 CFR Part §622.186.

Official source

Quick answers

How many wreckfish can I keep in North Carolina?

It shall be unlawful to possess more than one (1) wreckfish per vessel per day..

When is wreckfish season in North Carolina?

except from July 1 through August 31 of each year. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

More reef fish 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.