North Carolina Red Drum Size Limit (2025 Update)

Redfish Slot & Bag Limits in NC

Red Drum, also called Redfish or Puppy Drum, are the inshore fish most North Carolina anglers dream about. They’re my absolute favorite saltwater species to target, and I fish for them year-round on my charters. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many guests are confused about North Carolina’s size and bag limits for redfish, especially how the slot limit works. To clear things up, I’ve written this quick guide to explain the current regulations, why they exist, and how you can stay legal while still having a blast chasing reds.

Red Drum Regulations at a Glance (NC 2025)

Understanding the NC Slot Limit for Redfish

North Carolina manages red drum with a slot limit. You can only keep a fish if it falls within the 18–27″ range, the “slot.” Fish below the slot need time to grow. Fish above the slot (often called over-slots, bull drum, or old drum) are the breeders and must be released. Slot management keeps more fish in the water, more bites for anglers, and a healthier fishery year after year.

Current North Carolina Red Drum Regulations (Recreational)

• Size (slot) limit: 18″–27″ total length — anything under 18 inches or over 27 inches must be released.
• Daily bag limit: 1 red drum per person per day.
• Open season: Year-round (no closed season for rod and reel).
• Methods: Hook-and-line only (no gigging, spearing, or gaffing red drum).
• Handling: Overslot and underslot fish must be released promptly and in good condition.

Bull Drum Rig Requirements in North Carolina

If you’re targeting big “old drum” (reds over 27″) in certain areas like Pamlico Sound or other designated waters, North Carolina has special rigging rules designed to protect large spawners. The Division of Marine Fisheries requires a rig known as the Lupton Rig:

• Circle hooks: Non-offset, non-stainless when fishing natural bait.
• Leaders: Short leaders (≤ ~6″) to reduce deep hooking.
• Gear restrictions: No treble hooks, J-hooks, or wire leaders when targeting red drum in those areas.

These rules mainly apply north of Cape Lookout, but they’re good practice anywhere. Using proper circle hooks and short leaders prevents deep hooking and increases survival rates for released fish, especially in warm water.

Why the Size Limit Matters

Red drum mature slowly, and the larger bulls are prolific spawners that sustain the population. Protecting overslot fish ensures strong year classes, consistent action, and a fishery that future generations can enjoy. The slot limit is a big reason North Carolina continues to offer excellent redfish fishing.

What Happens If You Break the Rules

The red drum regulations are law. Violations can result in fines, confiscated gear, and even loss of fishing privileges. Most citations happen because of honest mistakes: keeping a fish just over the slot, mismeasuring on a rolling deck, or not realizing where the state line runs. When in doubt, release it. No photo or fillet is worth a citation or hurting the fishery.

Quick Compliance Tips

• Measure total length with the mouth closed and tail pinched.
• Keep a bump board on the boat; soft tapes can stretch or fold.
• Pre-rig dehookers and pliers so releases are quick and clean.
• Wet hands before handling fish and minimize time out of the water.
• Photograph overslot fish boatside when possible, and support the belly if you must lift briefly. Never hang by the mouth or gills.
• If you’re near the NC/SC line, confirm your exact location before keeping a fish, because rules differ.

Why Conservation Matters

Did you know? A mature female red drum can produce over a million eggs per spawn, and she’ll spawn multiple times each season. Protecting these big breeders is the key to keeping our fishery thriving. Slot limits and release rules aren’t about limiting opportunity, they’re what make the incredible inshore fishing we enjoy today possible.

The age of bull red drum — and why releasing them matters

Many anglers don’t realize that those giant bull reds we catch around the Carolinas are often 20 to 40 years old, with some bull reds known to be over 50 years old. These fish are the backbone of the red drum population — the big breeders that produce millions of eggs each year. Once a bull red reaches that size, it’s survived decades of storms, predators, and anglers, meaning it’s incredibly valuable to the future of the fishery.

Keeping or mishandling a single large breeder can erase decades of growth and contribution. That’s why it’s so important to release these big fish healthy and strong. A 40-inch redfish you let go today could still be spawning new generations ten years from now — and that’s what keeps our inshore fishing world-class here in North Carolina.

FAQs About NC Red Drum Regulations

Can I keep a “bull red” over 27 inches?

No. Anything above 27″ total length must be released. Take a quick photo, support the fish properly, and let it swim off strong.

Do the rules change if I’m on a pier or in the surf?

No. Recreational size and bag limits apply the same whether you’re fishing from a pier, beach, kayak, or boat.

Can kids keep their own red drum?

Yes. Each licensed or exempt angler, including children under your supervision, is allowed their own daily limit as long as the fish is within the legal slot size.

Do I need a license for a charter trip?

If you’re fishing with me, your license is covered under my North Carolina charter license. If you’re fishing on your own, you’ll need a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL).

What if I release a fish that doesn’t survive?

It happens sometimes, even with good intentions. The key is minimizing fight time, handling gently, and using circle hooks. If you do everything right, your release rates will stay high.

How do I measure correctly so I don’t get it wrong?

Lay the fish flat with the mouth closed, pinch the tail, and measure total length on a rigid board. If it’s close to 27″, err on the side of release.

NC Division of Marine Fisheries Redfish Regulations

For the most up-to-date regulations on fishing for and keeping redfish in NC, always go to the NCDMF website.

Related Reading

• Inshore Fishing Charters (Ocean Isle Beach) — guided trips targeting redfish.
• How to Catch Redfish in NC — seasonal tactics, lures, and bait options.
• Redfish Livebait Rig — How to tie your own redfish livebait rig.
• Winter Redfish — How to catch Redfish in the Winter in NC.

Final Thoughts

Slot limits aren’t just rules to memorize, they’re the reason our inshore fishery is as good as it is. Measure carefully, keep only what’s legal, release the breeders in great shape, and you’ll see the payoff on your next trip. If you want hands-on instruction and a dialed-in plan for your day, hop aboard — my charters are built around conservation, learning, and putting you on redfish the right way.