Gag Grouper (also known as Gag, Grouper) 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 Gag Grouper is 24 in and the daily bag limit is 1 gag or black grouper (within a 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate). 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 (including open dates, depth and area) 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 (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Shallow-water grouper (incl. gag) closed Jan 1-Apr 30, open May 1-Dec 31 each year. Speckled hind, Warsaw, Nassau and Goliath grouper are PROHIBITED (unlawful to possess) in NC coastal/joint waters. STATE coastal + joint waters (Internal + Atlantic Ocean 0-3 mi) follow the same SAFMC-aligned rule as the federal EEZ (3-200 mi). Shallow-water groupers (incl. gag) are open May 1 through December 31 each year and closed Jan 1-Apr 30. Confirm the current open depth/area + dates against the latest Snapper Grouper proclamation.
These limits are pulled from the NCDMF recreational size and bag limits. Last verified September 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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