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Scup regulations in North Carolina

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Scup
Is it a keeper? A scup is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 30.

Scup size limit, season and daily limit

WhereSeasonSize limitDaily limit
North of Cape HatterasOpen year-round9 inch minimum30 per person per day

Notes

Exact NC Division of Marine Fisheries wording

Season
Open year-round
Size
9" TL
Limit
30/Day
North of Cape Hatteras — as printed
“Scup (North of Cape Hatteras only) | 9" TL | 30/Day”

Source: NC Division of Marine Fisheries, captured 2026-09-29 (2026 season).

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About the scup

Scup

Species of fish

The scup is a fish that occurs primarily in the Atlantic from Massachusetts to South Carolina. Along with many other fish of the family Sparidae, it is also commonly known as porgy.

Read more about Scup on Wikipedia →

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NC Division of Marine Fisheries, not Wikipedia.

All 120 North Carolina species A–Z →

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Scup in North Carolina?

9 inch minimum in North Carolina state waters.

How many Scup can you keep per day in North Carolina?

30 per person per day.

When is Scup season in North Carolina?

Open year-round.

Is my Scup a keeper today?

A scup is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 30.