Black Sea Bass (also known as Sea Bass, Black Will) in North Carolina. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the NCDMF guide, 2026.
In North Carolina, the minimum legal size for Black Sea Bass is 13 in and the daily bag limit is 15 per person north of Cape Hatteras; 7 per person south. Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current North Carolina rules before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current North Carolina rules before keeping fish.
Atlantic — two management zones split at Cape Hatteras (35°15.0321' N). State + federal waters, split at Cape Hatteras (35°15.0321' N). State waters: North of Hatteras 13" TL / 15 per day (ASMFC/Mid-Atlantic regime); South of Hatteras 13" TL / 7 per day (SAFMC snapper-grouper regime). FEDERAL waters North of Hatteras differ: 15" min, 5 per day, season ~May 15–Sept. 8. Anglers cannot keep both a state and federal bag on the same trip.
These limits are pulled from the NCDMF recreational size and bag limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
North Carolina requires a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) for anyone aged 16 or older fishing coastal or joint waters — there is no general shoreline exemption. NC fishing licences.
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