Atlantic spadefish across North Carolina
North Carolina rules, records and waters for Atlantic spadefish.
- 20 a daydaily creel
- 11 lb. 3oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Matthew Hoelscher (original photograph), Kaldari (crop), Papa Lima Whiskey (white balance adjustments), CC BY-SA 2.0
North Carolina Atlantic spadefish at a glance
In North Carolina, Atlantic spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) counts as a saltwater sport fish. The NCDMF row for state and federal waters off north carolina (snapper-grouper complex) allows 20 a day, no size limit.
In 2009, Off Hatteras Village produced the record of 11 lb. 3oz. NCDMF citation: No award given for this species.
The NCDMF profile of Atlantic spadefish
“This medium-sized fish is commonly found from Massachusetts to Brazil. Adults have flat, spade-shaped bodies with pointed dorsal and anal fins and a blunt snout. Adults are silver-gray with three to six prominent black vertical bands on each side of the body. Juvenile fish are usually black.”
- SizeAtlantic spadefish grow to 36 inches and 20 pounds.
- HabitatPreferring warm water, Atlantic spadefish are found inshore during the summer, but move offshore in temperate areas during the winter. They are found inshore and nearshore near reefs, wrecks, buoys and pilings.
- DietAtlantic spadefish feed on benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks and other marine life such as algae or jellyfish. Feeding occurs throughout the day, but peaks around midday.
- Fishing tipsAnglers land Atlantic spadefish using tiny hooks baited with pieces of shrimp or jellyfish. Divers can catch spadefish with spears. Fishermen occasionally snag them with unbaited treble hooks around the pilings of ocean piers.
- Also calledangelfish
- Confused withsheepshead, black drum
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
Atlantic spadefish creel and size rules
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex) | 20 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
Heaviest Atlantic spadefish the state has recorded
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 11 lb. 3oz. | Off Hatteras Village | 2009 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Species listed with Atlantic spadefish
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Shore and water close to Atlantic spadefish
Photo: Brian Stansberry, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Gerry Dincher from Hope Mills, NC, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
North Carolina Atlantic spadefish, answered
May North Carolina anglers keep Atlantic spadefish?
20 a day (State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), size no size limit.
What is the North Carolina record Atlantic spadefish?
11 lb. 3oz. from Off Hatteras Village (2009).
Which North Carolina waters hold Atlantic spadefish?
Preferring warm water, Atlantic spadefish are found inshore during the summer, but move offshore in temperate areas during the winter. They are found inshore and nearshore near reefs, wrecks, buoys and pilings.
Where does NCWRC stock Atlantic spadefish?
NCWRC lists none for 2026.
What scientific name do agencies use for Atlantic spadefish?
Atlantic spadefish grow to 36 inches and 20 pounds.
Does North Carolina close the season on Atlantic spadefish?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
What license fee applies at Atlantic spadefish?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Are there guides for Atlantic spadefish?
See the guides page.
Go for Atlantic spadefish this year
Start with the lists above.