Black sea bass across North Carolina
black sea bass, North Carolina limits and records.
- 15 a daydaily creel
- 8 lb. 12 oz.record
Photo of Beulaville: Marc.bratcher, CC BY-SA 3.0
black sea bass, the state picture
The state counts Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) as a saltwater fish. For north of cape hatteras, NCDMF lists 15 a day and 13 in minimum.
The North Carolina record weighed 8 lb. 12 oz., from Off Oregon Inlet (1979). NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 4 pounds or greater.
NCDMF on black sea bass
“Larger black sea bass are black, while the smaller ones are more of a dusky brown. The exposed parts of scales are paler than the margins, making the fish look like it is barred with a series of dots running lengthwise. The belly is slightly lighter in color than the sides. The fins are dark, and the dorsal is marked with a series of white spots and bands. The upper portion of the caudal fin ends as a filament. During spawning, males may have a conspicuous blue hump at the nape of the neck.”
- SizeBlack sea bass grow to 24 inches and 6 pounds.
- HabitatBlack sea bass inhabit irregular hard-bottom areas, such as wrecks or reefs. They are found from Cape Cod, Mass., to Cape Canaveral, Fla., and those found in the South Atlantic usually occur more inshore with other tropical reef fish, such as snappers, groupers, porgies and grunts. Juveniles are com
- DietBlack sea bass are opportunistic feeders eating whatever is available, but they prefer crabs, shrimp, worms, small fish and clams.
- Fishing tipsAnglers bottom fish for black sea bass over wrecks and reefs using strips of squid or fish as bait.
- Also calledblackfish, Atlantic sea bass, bass, rock bass, old humpback, pinbass
- Confused withblack drum, bank sea bass, rock sea bass
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
Creel and size for black sea bass
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | North of Cape Hatteras | 15 a day | 13 in minimum | May 1 – Dec. 31, 2026 |
| NCDMF | South of Cape Hatteras | 7 a day | 13 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
State record black sea bass
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 8 lb. 12 oz. | Off Oregon Inlet | 1979 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Kin to black sea bass
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Scenes from waters by Black sea bass
Photo: Jon Platek, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Gerry D, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ceh2624, CC BY-SA 3.0
black sea bass in a few answers
What size rule covers black sea bass?
15 a day (North of Cape Hatteras), size 13 in minimum.
What does the record black sea bass weigh?
8 lb. 12 oz. from Off Oregon Inlet (1979).
Which habitats hold black sea bass?
Black sea bass inhabit irregular hard-bottom areas, such as wrecks or reefs. They are found from Cape Cod, Mass., to Cape Canaveral, Fla., and those found in the South Atlantic usually occur more inshore with other tropical reef fish, such
Will NCWRC stock black sea bass this year?
No 2026 stocking is listed.
How large can black sea bass grow?
Black sea bass grow to 24 inches and 6 pounds.
Are black sea bass open to harvest year-round?
May 1 – Dec. 31, 2026
What license do black sea bass anglers carry?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Do charters target black sea bass?
No listing names it.
Chase black sea bass across North Carolina
Open a water above for ramps and limits.