Pigfish across North Carolina
pigfish, North Carolina limits and records.
- no creel limitdaily creel
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Fizzishin, CC BY 4.0
pigfish, the state picture
The state counts Pigfish as a saltwater fish. For coastal and joint fishing waters, NCDMF lists no creel limit and no size limit.
NCDMF citation: No award given for this species.
NCDMF on pigfish
“Pigfish are characterized by a long, sloping snout, 12 to 13 anal fin rays and the grunting sound they make when removed from the water. The fish are a pale blue-gray color at the top that shades to silver below. The cheeks and upper sides have brassy or golden variable markings that form wavy lines and the fins are yellow-bronze.”
- SizePigfish grow to 19 inches and 2 pounds.
- HabitatPigfish are found in warm, temperate waters as far north as Cape Cod, Mass., but are most abundant south of the Chesapeake Bay in coastal waters over sand and mud bottom.
- DietAdult pigfish are benthic carnivores that eat a variety of bottom invertebrates, such as worms, mollusks, amphipods, shrimp and crabs.
- Fishing tipsPigfish can be caught in late spring and fall using a standard two-hook bottom rig baited with shrimp, squid or bloodworms. Anglers often find greater success while fishing near structures or on rough bottom.
- Also calledhogfish, grunt
- Confused withpinfish, Atlantic croaker
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
Creel and size for pigfish
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | Coastal and joint fishing waters | no creel limit | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
Kin to pigfish
- 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 Pigfish
Photo: Gerry Dincher, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: User:Dincher, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Nyttend, Public domain
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
pigfish in a few answers
What size rule covers pigfish?
no creel limit (Coastal and joint fishing waters), size no size limit.
What does the record pigfish weigh?
The agencies show no record.
Which habitats hold pigfish?
Pigfish are found in warm, temperate waters as far north as Cape Cod, Mass., but are most abundant south of the Chesapeake Bay in coastal waters over sand and mud bottom.
Will NCWRC stock pigfish this year?
No 2026 stocking is listed.
How large can pigfish grow?
Pigfish grow to 19 inches and 2 pounds.
Are pigfish open to harvest year-round?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
What license do pigfish anglers carry?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Do charters target pigfish?
No listing names it.
Chase pigfish across North Carolina
Open a water above for ramps and limits.