Striped Bass (also known as Striper, Rockfish) in North Carolina. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the NCDMF guide, 2026.
In North Carolina, the minimum legal size for Striped Bass is 28 in and the daily bag limit is 1 per person (Atlantic Ocean; 28–31 in slot). A slot limit applies: Harvest slot 28–31 in total length (Atlantic Ocean). Inside/sound waters are managed separately — see notes. 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.
Harvest slot 28–31 in total length (Atlantic Ocean). Inside/sound waters are managed separately — see notes.
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.
Only the Atlantic Ocean is open year-round; the inside/sound striped bass fisheries are closed or possession-prohibited. Effective Dec 1, 2025 any harvested striped bass must be reported at deq.nc.gov/report-my-fish. STATE Atlantic Ocean waters (0-3 mi): year-round, 1 fish/person/day, slot 28-31in TL. Inside/sound STATE waters are largely closed (Albemarle Sound area closed; Central Southern Management Area = unlawful to possess). In the federal EEZ, possession of striped bass is generally PROHIBITED beyond 3 miles - the ocean fishery is a state 0-3 mi fishery.
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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