Red porgy across North Carolina
Where red porgy live in North Carolina, with limits.
- 1 a daydaily creel
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Julien Renoult, CC BY 4.0
red porgy across the state
North Carolina anglers find Red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) in saltwater habitat. Creel and size (NCDMF, state and federal waters off north carolina (snapper-grouper complex)): 1 a day, 14 in minimum.
NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 4 pounds or greater.
What NCDMF writes about red porgy
“The fish is reddish on top and silvery-white on the bottom, highlighted by rows of small blue spots along the upper body. It has two blue streaks, one above and the other below the eye. The teeth are pronounced and the back teeth are molar-like.”
- SizeThe average size of red porgy off North Carolina is 16.5 inches and 2.25 pounds.
- HabitatYoung red porgy are typically found closer to the shore at a depth of around 60 feet and are usually found in grass beds. As they mature, red porgy prefer deep, warm-water zones of the continental shelf in the western Atlantic from North Carolina to Argentina. They are found on the rough bottom at d
- DietRed porgy are carnivorous bottom feeders that use their strong teeth to eat snails, crabs and sea urchins. They tend to feed in schools and migrate looking for food. They also feed on worms and small fishes.
- Fishing tipsOff the southeastern United States, the species is taken almost exclusively by hook and line using sturdy tackle. Anglers often catch red porgy while bottom fishing for grouper and other fish. This species is heavily regulated. Be sure to check the latest rules before leaving the dock.
- Also calledsilver snapper, pinky, pink porgy
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
North Carolina limits on red porgy
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex) | 1 a day | 14 in minimum | May 1 – June 30 |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
Species beside red porgy on the list
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
What is near Red porgy, in pictures
Photo: Bz3rk, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dincher, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: SunDawn, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
Questions people send about red porgy
How many red porgy can I keep in North Carolina?
1 a day (State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), size 14 in minimum.
How heavy is the North Carolina record red porgy?
None on the state lists.
Which waters are best for red porgy?
Young red porgy are typically found closer to the shore at a depth of around 60 feet and are usually found in grass beds. As they mature, red porgy prefer deep, warm-water zones of the continental shelf in the western Atlantic from North Ca
Do NCWRC hatcheries raise red porgy?
No.
What other names does red porgy go by?
The average size of red porgy off North Carolina is 16.5 inches and 2.25 pounds.
When are red porgy in season?
May 1 – June 30
Which license works on red porgy?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which guides target red porgy?
No guide lists it.
Find red porgy close to home
Pick any lake or stream listed above.