By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
North Carolina’s 2026 recreational flounder season runs from 12:01 a.m. September 1 to 11:59 p.m. September 14, providing anglers a two‑week harvest window under limits set by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries.
The daily creel limit remains one flounder per angler, with a 15″ minimum size. Anglers must have a valid North Carolina recreational fishing license before harvesting flounder. A recreational fishing license can be purchased through the state’s Go Outdoors North Carolina system online, by phone, or at authorized in‑person agents.
Regulations apply across all Coastal, Joint, Inland, and Atlantic Ocean waters. Only hook‑and‑line and gig methods are permitted, and harvest under a Recreational Commercial Gear License is not allowed.
DMF requires mandatory reporting for all recreationally harvested flounder. Anglers must submit their harvest through the state’s online reporting form
DMF officials say the short season and strict limits remain part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the southern flounder stock.
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