2026 regulation year
Outer Banks surf 2026 — North Carolina Fishing Regulations
North Carolina statewide rules apply unless overridden below.
Last updated
Outer Banks surf carries 4 special-regulation overlays on top of North Carolina's 2026 fishing rules — covering Red drum, Striped bass, Flounder (summer + southern). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.
State-level special regulation
Coastal licence; red drum 1 / day slot; trophy red drum tagged in fall
Per-species rules on Outer Banks surf
Slot 18–27 in; fall trophy fish released
Coastal ASMFC slot rules
Flounder (summer + southern) regulations →
Statewide closure window; September only
Official source
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission publishes the authoritative 2026 North Carolina fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.