SlotGaugeCheck a catchVermilion Snapper regulations in North Carolina
Snappers · Saltwater · 2026 season
Vermilion Snapper size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC coastal waters (to 3 mi) | Open year-round | 12 inch minimum | 5 per person per day |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi, SAFMC) | Open year-round | 12 inch minimum | 5 per person per day |
Notes
- Vermilion snapper has its own 5-fish limit and is not counted in the 10-fish snapper aggregate.
- 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
- Open year-round
- Size
- 12 inches total length
- Limit
- 5 per person per day
- NC coastal waters (to 3 mi) — as printed
- “It shall be unlawful to possess vermilion snapper (beeliner) less than 12 inches total length. It shall be unlawful to possess more than five (5) vermilion snapper per person per day.”
Source: NC Division of Marine Fisheries, captured 2026-09-29 (2026 season).
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About the vermilion snapper
Species of fish
The vermilion snapper, the clubhead snapper, night snapper or beeliner is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It is native to the western Atlantic Ocean.
Read more about Vermilion snapper 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 Vermilion Snapper in North Carolina?
12 inch minimum in North Carolina state waters.
How many Vermilion Snapper can you keep per day in North Carolina?
5 per person per day.
When is Vermilion Snapper season in North Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Vermilion Snapper a keeper today?
A vermilion snapper is a keeper today if it measures at least 12 inches, with a daily limit of 5.