SlotGaugeCheck a catchBlueline Tilefish regulations in North Carolina
Tilefish · Saltwater · 2026 season
Is it a keeper? The blueline tilefish season is closed today. It is open May 1 – August 31.
Blueline Tilefish size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC coastal waters (to 3 mi) | May 1 – August 31 | No size limit | 2 per person per day within 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi, SAFMC) | May 1 – August 31 | No size limit | 2 per person per day within 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate |
Notes
- Open May 1 – Aug 31 only. For-hire captains and crew may not keep blueline tilefish.
- Counts toward the 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate per person per day (gag, black, snowy, misty, red, rock hind, red hind, coney, graysby, yellowedge, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, blueline tilefish, golden tilefish, sand tilefish).
- Snapper-grouper gear rules: non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks with natural bait; a dehooking tool and a descending device (16 oz weight, 60 ft line) must be on board; fish must be landed with heads and fins intact.
- Federal rules apply in both state and SAFMC waters; seasons can close early when catch limits are met — check safmc.net/regulations.
Exact NC Division of Marine Fisheries wording
- Season
- May 1 – August 31
- Size
- None
- Limit
- 2 per person per day within the 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate
- NC coastal waters (to 3 mi) — as printed
- “It shall be unlawful to possess blueline tilefish except from May 1 through August 31 each year, subject to the bag limits in Section XVII. B. ... No more than two (2) blueline tilefish per person per day.”
Source: NC Division of Marine Fisheries, captured 2026-09-29 (2026 season).
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About the blueline tilefish
Identification tips, range and habits for the blueline tilefish: read the Blueline tilefish article on Wikipedia.
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Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Blueline Tilefish in North Carolina?
No size limit in North Carolina state waters.
How many Blueline Tilefish can you keep per day in North Carolina?
2 per person per day within 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate.
When is Blueline Tilefish season in North Carolina?
May 1 – August 31.
Is my Blueline Tilefish a keeper today?
The blueline tilefish season is closed today. It is open May 1 – August 31.