Vermilion snapper across North Carolina
Creel rules, records and waters for vermilion snapper.
- 5 a daydaily creel
- 7 lb. 4 oz.record
Photo of Boiling Springs: Tomchartjr85, CC BY-SA 4.0
About North Carolina vermilion snapper
Vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) is listed among the state’s saltwater species. Anglers may keep 5 a day under NCDMF (state and federal waters off north carolina (snapper-grouper complex)); size 12 in minimum.
Off Morehead City gave up the state record of 7 lb. 4 oz. in 2025. NCDMF citation: No award given for this species.
NCDMF notes on vermilion snapper
“Vermilion snapper have relatively slender bodies with short snouts. The lower jaw projects slightly. The body is red on top and pale to silver white on bottom with irregular, narrow gold streaks below the lateral line. The dorsal fin is a rose color with a yellow margin. The caudal fin is red with a faint black margin.”
- SizeVermilion snapper are found up to 25 inches long and 6 pounds.
- HabitatVermilion snapper are found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic from Cape Hatteras to southeastern Brazil, including Bermuda, the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico. The preferred habitat is irregular reef-like bottom in waters ranging in depth from 80 to 350 feet.
- DietVermilion snapper feed midway in the water column, sometimes coming to the surface. They forage on small animals such as small crustaceans, squids, small fishes and fish eggs.
- Fishing tipsVermilion snapper have small mouths so anglers should use small hooks to catch them. Anglers use depth finders to find offshore irregular bottoms, and fish with sturdy boat rods with electric or manually operated reels. They are considered a bottom fish by many anglers, but they are not true bottom
- Also calledbeeliner
- Confused withred snapper
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
The vermilion snapper creel
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex) | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
The vermilion snapper record
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 7 lb. 4 oz. | Off Morehead City | 2025 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Fish that pair with vermilion snapper
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Nearby water from Vermilion snapper, in photos
Photo: Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Gerry D, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Willthacheerleader18, CC BY-SA 4.0
Before you target vermilion snapper
What is the creel limit on vermilion snapper?
5 a day (State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), size 12 in minimum.
What is the biggest vermilion snapper caught in North Carolina?
7 lb. 4 oz. from Off Morehead City (2025).
Which lakes hold vermilion snapper?
Vermilion snapper are found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic from Cape Hatteras to southeastern Brazil, including Bermuda, the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico. The preferred habitat is irregular reef-like bottom in waters rangi
Are vermilion snapper on the stocking list?
It is not on the 2026 warmwater list.
What is vermilion snapper confused with?
Vermilion snapper are found up to 25 inches long and 6 pounds.
When does the vermilion snapper season run?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
Which North Carolina license do I need for vermilion snapper?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Can I hire a trip that targets vermilion snapper?
Every operator appears on the guides page.
Map out a vermilion snapper trip
Each listed water has its own page.