Effective January 1, daily recreational harvest limits for bluefish have increased along the Atlantic coast. Anglers may now retain up to five bluefish per day, while those fishing aboard for-hire vessels are allowed a seven-fish bag limit. These coastwide changes are designed to expand recreational opportunities while continuing to support sustainable management of the bluefish stock.
The updated limits reflect encouraging trends in the bluefish population, driven by an increase in the number of spawning females identified in the most recent stock assessment model.
In 2024, an estimated 1.6 million bluefish were harvested in North Carolina, with nearly 6.4 million additional fish released. To explore commercial and recreational harvest trends and review the most recent data, visit our updated FINDEX species profile.
And just for fun, did you know North Carolina holds both the state record and all-tackle world record for bluefish? The current record, caught off Hatteras by James Hussey in 1972, stands at an impressive 31 pounds, 12 ounces.