Black Sea Bass Fishing in North Carolina
When black sea bass are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Sea Bass catch through the year
Recreational catch in North Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching black sea bass in North Carolina
Black Sea Bass catches in North Carolina run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 4% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the North Carolina fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch black sea bass in North Carolina?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and May-Jun. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release black sea bass in North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 4% of the black sea bass caught are kept and 96% are released. That works out to roughly 102K kept and 2.5M released in 2024.
How many black sea bass are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 2.6M black sea bass caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #6 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this black sea bass data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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