Skipjack tuna across North Carolina
Creel rules, records and waters for skipjack tuna.
- no creel limitdaily creel
- 32 lb. 5 oz.record
Photo of Bailey: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
About North Carolina skipjack tuna
Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is listed among the state’s saltwater species. Anglers may keep no creel limit under NCDMF (coastal and joint fishing waters); size no size limit.
Gulf Stream off of Hatteras gave up the state record of 32 lb. 5 oz. in 2016. NCDMF citation: No award given for this species.
The skipjack tuna creel
| 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.
The skipjack tuna record
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 32 lb. 5 oz. | Gulf Stream off of Hatteras | 2016 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Fish that pair with skipjack tuna
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Before you target skipjack tuna
What is the creel limit on skipjack tuna?
no creel limit (Coastal and joint fishing waters), size no size limit.
What is the biggest skipjack tuna caught in North Carolina?
32 lb. 5 oz. from Gulf Stream off of Hatteras (2016).
Which lakes hold skipjack tuna?
See above for where it lives.
Are skipjack tuna on the stocking list?
It is not on the 2026 warmwater list.
What is skipjack tuna confused with?
Scientific name Katsuwonus pelamis.
When does the skipjack tuna season run?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
Which North Carolina license do I need for skipjack tuna?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Can I hire a trip that targets skipjack tuna?
Every operator appears on the guides page.
Map out a skipjack tuna trip
Each listed water has its own page.