North Carolina Gulf Flounder Opens

This limited season runs from March 9-22, 2026, and is open only in specific ocean waters. Anglers are restricted to fishing from the north end of Portsmouth Island, south of Ocracoke Inlet, down to the South Carolina line. The rules for this special season are strict: a one-fish-per-person-per-day bag limit and a minimum size of 15 inches total length. Additionally, only hook-and-line gear is permitted for recreational fishing during this time. This targeted season is possible because Gulf and Summer flounder are less likely to be caught at the same time as Southern flounder, which remains a significant concern for regulators. Historically, North Carolina has managed all three flounder species as a single fishery, but the poor health of the Southern flounder stock necessitated a change. The trouble for Southern flounder was officially detailed in a 2019 stock assessment which concluded the species is overfished and that overfishing is still occurring. This assessment prompted Amendment 3 to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan, which aims to rebuild the population by significantly reducing harvest. For anglers, telling the species apart is now crucial. Gulf flounder are identifiable by three distinct, ocellated dark spots that form a triangle on their eyed side. In contrast, Southern flounder have less distinct, non-ringed blotches, while Summer flounder, or fluke, have between five and 14 eye-like spots. Under a new state law, any harvest of flounder must be reported to the Division of Marine Fisheries. Officials have warned that any accidental harvest of Southern flounder during this Gulf flounder season will be counted against the annual quota, potentially impacting future fall flounder seasons.