Spanish mackerel across North Carolina
Where Spanish mackerel live in North Carolina, with limits.
- 15 a daydaily creel
- 13 lb. 0 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Donna Fernstrom, CC BY 4.0
Spanish mackerel across the state
North Carolina anglers find Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) in saltwater habitat. Creel and size (NCWRC, inland and joint fishing waters (ncwrc, hook and line)): 15 a day, 12 in minimum.
The record book shows 13 lb. 0 oz. from Ocracoke Inlet, 1987. NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 6 pounds or larger.
What NCDMF writes about Spanish mackerel
“Spanish mackerel have greenish backs with silvery sides and belly. Golden yellow spots above and below the lateral line cover the sides of the body. The front of the first dorsal fin is black. The lateral line curves gently to the base of the tail and the body is covered with tiny scales.”
- SizeSpanish mackerel grow to 37 inches and 12 pounds, but most catches range between 14 and 18 inches and 1 and 3 pounds.
- HabitatSpanish mackerel live in open waters near the coast from the Gulf of Maine to the Yucatan Peninsula, migrating north and south with water temperatures. They may be found in the sounds or mouths of rivers in the summer.
- DietSpanish mackerel feed on small fish, such as anchovies, sardines, threadfin herring and silversides, as well as shrimp and squid.
- Fishing tipsAnglers catch Spanish mackerel from the surf, piers and boats, with almost any small, shiny metal lure or jig retrieved or trolled quickly. Large Spanish mackerel are often caught by fishermen slow-trolling live bait for king mackerel.
- Also calledSpanish
- Confused withjuvenile king mackerel (see this mackerel identification guide )
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
North Carolina limits on Spanish mackerel
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCWRC | Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line) | 15 a day | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| NCDMF | Coastal and joint fishing waters | 15 a day | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
Record Spanish mackerel from North Carolina
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 13 lb. 0 oz. | Ocracoke Inlet | 1987 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Species beside Spanish mackerel 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 Spanish mackerel, in pictures
Photo: Nyttend, Public domain
Photo: Gerry Dincher from Hope Mills, NC, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: AlexiusHoratius, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry, CC BY 4.0
Questions people send about Spanish mackerel
How many Spanish mackerel can I keep in North Carolina?
15 a day (Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line)), size 12 in minimum.
How heavy is the North Carolina record Spanish mackerel?
13 lb. 0 oz. from Ocracoke Inlet (1987).
Which waters are best for Spanish mackerel?
Spanish mackerel live in open waters near the coast from the Gulf of Maine to the Yucatan Peninsula, migrating north and south with water temperatures. They may be found in the sounds or mouths of rivers in the summer.
Do NCWRC hatcheries raise Spanish mackerel?
No.
What other names does Spanish mackerel go by?
Spanish mackerel grow to 37 inches and 12 pounds, but most catches range between 14 and 18 inches and 1 and 3 pounds.
When are Spanish mackerel in season?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
Which license works on Spanish mackerel?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which guides target Spanish mackerel?
No guide lists it.
Find Spanish mackerel close to home
Pick any lake or stream listed above.