Gag grouper across North Carolina
Finding and keeping gag grouper, by North Carolina rules.
- 1 a daydaily creel
- 48 lb. 0 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC., Public domain
Where gag grouper fit in North Carolina
Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) lives in North Carolina’s saltwater habitat. NCDMF sets a creel of 1 a day with 24 in minimum where state and federal waters off north carolina (snapper-grouper complex).
The state record is 48 lb. 0 oz., taken at Off Morehead City in 2018. NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 20 pounds or larger.
How NCDMF describes gag grouper
“Gag grouper have long, compressed bodies and 11 to 14 rays in the anal fins. Their color varies and changes with the size of the fish. Large gag are dark brownish-gray on top and paler on the bottom, with traces of dark wavy markings on the sides. Smaller fish are much lighter and have numerous dark brown or charcoal kiss-like marks along the sides. Gag grouper have deeply notched gill covers, distinguishing them from black grouper.”
- SizeGag grouper grow to 51 inches and 55 pounds.
- HabitatAdult gag grouper can be found from North Carolina to Brazil over low and high profile hard-bottom waters 60 to 250 feet deep. Young gag inhabit estuaries from Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral, Fla. They often congregate around rocky ledges and swim in small groups.
- DietGag grouper feed on round scad, sardines, porgies, snappers, grunts, crabs, shrimp and squid.
- Fishing tipsThe best way to catch gag grouper is by bottom fishing with live bait, such as cigar minnows and squid, using depth finders to locate deepwater rock piles, ledges, wrecks and artificial reefs.
- Also calledblack grouper, gag
- Confused withblack grouper, scamp
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
Creel limits for gag grouper
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex) | 1 a day | 24 in minimum | May 1 – Aug. 1, 2026 |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
North Carolina record gag grouper
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 48 lb. 0 oz. | Off Morehead City | 2018 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Species that pair with gag grouper
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Places to fish near Gag grouper, pictured
Photo: Yuming Huang, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Worth knowing about gag grouper
Which rules govern keeping gag grouper?
1 a day (State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), size 24 in minimum.
Which water gave up the record gag grouper?
48 lb. 0 oz. from Off Morehead City (2018).
Which waters produce gag grouper?
Adult gag grouper can be found from North Carolina to Brazil over low and high profile hard-bottom waters 60 to 250 feet deep. Young gag inhabit estuaries from Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral, Fla. They often congregate around rocky ledges
Does NCWRC stock gag grouper?
Not on this year’s list.
How do I tell gag grouper apart?
Gag grouper grow to 51 inches and 55 pounds.
Can gag grouper be kept this month?
May 1 – Aug. 1, 2026
What license do gag grouper anglers buy?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which captains list gag grouper?
None list it by name; see the guides page.
Seek out gag grouper
Pick a water from the lists on this page.