2026 regulation year
North Carolina Red drum 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Sciaenops ocellatus
Last updated
Red drum (channel bass / puppy drum) are North Carolina's state saltwater fish and the headline coastal species. The Outer Banks fall trophy run produces fish over 50 inches; the inshore slot fishery (18–27 in keepers) runs all season in Pamlico Sound and the Cape Fear estuary.
Season
Open year-round Open year-round; fall trophy run Oct–Nov.
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 1 / day
- Possession
- 1 in possession
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- Slot 18–27 in (release fish outside slot)
- Slot
- 18–27 in slot — release oversize and undersize
- Trophy rule
- Catch-and-release on all fish outside the 18–27 in slot
Gear restrictions
- Circle hooks required when fishing with natural bait
- Coastal Recreational Fishing Licence required
- Gaffing of slot-size red drum prohibited
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific North Carolina waters:
Pamlico Sound
Slot 18–27 in; 1 / day; primary inshore fishery
Outer Banks surf
Slot 18–27 in; fall trophy fish released
Cape Fear River (joint waters)
Slot rule applies; inland + coastal licence required
Neuse River
Slot 18–27 in; primary inshore + estuarine fishery
Bogue Sound
Slot 18–27 in; popular Carteret County water
Official source
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission publishes the authoritative 2026 North Carolinafishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.