New Sheepshead Regulations Take Effect March 2026
Anglers targeting the “convict fish” along the North Carolina coast need to prepare for significant changes. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Marine Fisheries has announced updated management regulations for sheepshead, officially taking effect on March 1, 2026.
Key Recreational Changes | NC Sheepshead Regulations
The new rules represent a proactive shift to protect juvenile fish and ensure the long-term sustainability of the species. The most notable updates for recreational anglers include:
- Minimum Size Limit: Increased to 14 inches.
- Measurement Method: Fish must now be measured by Total Length (snout to the tip of the compressed tail) rather than the previous fork length standard.
- Daily Bag Limit: Reduced to five fish per person, per day.
The move to a 14-inch total length limit aligns sheepshead regulations with those of Black Drum, a species often caught alongside sheepshead. State officials note that this alignment simplifies rules for the public and reduces confusion between these similar-looking species.
Commercial Regulation Updates
Commercial harvesters are also subject to the new 14-inch total length minimum. Additionally, updated trip limits have been established based on gear type:
- Pound Nets: 1,500 pounds per operation per day.
- Gigs and Spears: 10 fish per person per day or trip.
- Other Gears: 300 pounds per trip.
Why the Change?
According to the Division of Marine Fisheries, these changes come in response to increased fishing pressure and a concerning decline in older fish. Data showed that a large percentage of harvested sheepshead were immature. By increasing the size limit to 14 inches, the state aims to allow more fish to reach spawning age before being harvested.
For more information on these updates, anglers can reference Proclamation FF-14-2026 on the NCDEQ website.
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