The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has announced upcoming changes to Sheepshead fishing regulations, effective March 1. These adjustments apply to both recreational and commercial fisheries in response to increased harvests, especially among juvenile fish.
For recreational fishermen, the new rules set a minimum size limit of 14 inches total length and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. Commercial fishermen will also face a 14-inch total length minimum. Trip limits are now specified: pound nets are restricted to 1,500 pounds per operation per day; gigs and spears are limited to 10 fish per person per day or trip (including multi-day trips); other gear types have a cap of 300 pounds per trip.
The method for measuring Sheepshead has changed from fork length to total length. The new standard requires measurement from the tip of the snout to the longest part of the tail when pinched together. This aligns Sheepshead regulations with those for Black Drum, another species often caught at the same time, which aims to simplify compliance for anglers.
“The Division is implementing changes because of increases in sheepshead harvest, particularly juvenile fish, in recent years,” according to the Division.
Public feedback collected during last fall’s comment period was considered before finalizing these management changes.
More information can be found in Proclamation FF-14-2026 or on the Proactive Sheepshead Management webpage on the Division’s website.
The Department of Environmental Quality serves as North Carolina’s state agency focused on regulating and protecting natural resources and environmental quality across air, land, water, and coastal environments (official website). It provides services such as air quality regulation, permit issuance, environmental law enforcement, waste management, and water resource oversight while supporting public education and community stewardship (official website). The department delivers science-based environmental stewardship aimed at promoting health and prosperity for all residents (official website), with its central office located at 217 West Jones Street in Raleigh (official website).
