White grunt across North Carolina
Limits, records and where to find white grunt.
- 20 a daydaily creel
- 5 lb. 3.2 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Williams, J. T.; Carpenter, K. E.; Van Tassell, J. L.; Hoetjes, P.; Toller, W.; Etnoyer, P.; Smith, M., CC BY 2.5
white grunt across North Carolina
White grunt (Haemulon plumierii) is a saltwater species in North Carolina. Under NCDMF rules (state and federal waters off north carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), the creel is 20 a day and the size rule is no size limit.
A 5 lb. 3.2 oz. fish from Frying Pan Towers in 2024 holds the state record. NCDMF citation: No award given for this species.
NCDMF, per white grunt
“The white grunt’s body is silver-gray with numerous blue and yellow stripes on the head and body. On some, the scales appear tipped with bronze. The pectoral fins are chalky and the other fins are gray. The lining of the body cavity is black. The interior of the mouth is bright red. The white grunt produces an audible grunting sound.”
- SizeWhite grunt grow to 25 inches and 8 pounds, but most catches are around 15 inches and 1.5 pounds.
- HabitatWhite grunts inhabit irregular bottom areas of the continental shelf from Virginia to Brazil, including Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. White grunts are commonly found from the shoreline to the outer reef edge to depths of 80 feet and offshore over hard bottoms to depths of 115 feet.
- DietWhite grunts are carnivores that feed on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. At night they migrate off the reefs to open, sandy, muddy or grassy areas to feed, typically moving off the reef shortly after sunset and returning to the reef just before sunrise.
- Fishing tipsAnglers usually do not target white grunts, but they catch them incidentally while fishing for porgy, triggerfish, groupers and snappers. Sport fishermen on charter boats and head boats use manual and electric-powered reels to catch white grunts over natural and artificial reefs.
- Also calledCommon grunt, redmouth, ruby red lips
- Confused withother grunts
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
North Carolina harvest rules for white grunt
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex) | 20 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
white grunt in the state record book
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 5 lb. 3.2 oz. | Frying Pan Towers | 2024 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
More white grunt neighbors
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
A look around White grunt
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Deshort, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Quick facts on white grunt
What daily limit applies to white grunt?
20 a day (State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), size no size limit.
Does North Carolina keep a record for white grunt?
5 lb. 3.2 oz. from Frying Pan Towers (2024).
Where do North Carolina anglers find white grunt?
White grunts inhabit irregular bottom areas of the continental shelf from Virginia to Brazil, including Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. White grunts are commonly found from the shoreline to the outer reef edge to depths of 80
Are white grunt stocked in North Carolina?
The 2026 list does not include it.
How do I recognize white grunt?
White grunt grow to 25 inches and 8 pounds, but most catches are around 15 inches and 1.5 pounds.
In which months may I keep white grunt?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
Do I need a CRFL for white grunt?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which captains run trips for white grunt?
No operator names it; try the guides page.
Hunt for white grunt
Every water named here has a page with ramps and limits.