SlotGaugeCheck a catchYellowfin Grouper regulations in North Carolina
Groupers · Saltwater · 2026 season
Yellowfin Grouper size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC coastal waters (to 3 mi) | May 1 – December 31 | 20 inch minimum | 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate per person per day |
| Federal waters (3–200 mi, SAFMC) | May 1 – December 31 | 20 inch minimum | 3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate per person per day |
Notes
- Closed Jan 1 – Apr 30 (shallow-water grouper closure).
- 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 – December 31
- Size
- 20 inches total length
- Limit
- 3 per person per day in the grouper/tilefish aggregate
- NC coastal waters (to 3 mi) — as printed
- “It shall be unlawful to possess red grouper, yellowfin (fireback) grouper, yellowmouth grouper or scamp less than 20 inches total length.”
Source: NC Division of Marine Fisheries, captured 2026-09-29 (2026 season).
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About the yellowfin grouper
Species of fish
The yellowfin grouper is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea basses. It is found in the warmer waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
Read more about Yellowfin grouper on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NC Division of Marine Fisheries, not Wikipedia.
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Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Yellowfin Grouper in North Carolina?
20 inch minimum in North Carolina state waters.
How many Yellowfin Grouper can you keep per day in North Carolina?
3-fish grouper/tilefish aggregate per person per day.
When is Yellowfin Grouper season in North Carolina?
May 1 – December 31.
Is my Yellowfin Grouper a keeper today?
A yellowfin grouper is a keeper today if it measures at least 20 inches, with a daily limit of 3.