Spiny Dogfish Fishing in North Carolina
When spiny dogfish are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spiny Dogfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in North Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Catch more spiny dogfish
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching spiny dogfish in North Carolina
Spiny Dogfish catches in North Carolina run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Mar-Apr. Anglers keep about 11% 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 spiny dogfish in North Carolina?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Mar-Apr. 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 spiny dogfish in North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 11% of the spiny dogfish caught are kept and 89% are released. That works out to roughly 19K kept and 162K released in 2024.
How many spiny dogfish are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 181K spiny dogfish caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #23 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spiny dogfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Find the spiny dogfish bite
Pathr puts the bite windows, tides, wind, and safe routing to your spot on official NOAA charts. Free to try on iOS.
These fishing seasons are free because a tiny team built them.
Tide charts, marine forecasts, and fishing times, all free and ad-free. Founding members keep them coming and get a real vote on what we build next.
One-time payment, no auto-renew. Founding pricing ends Aug 31.