Spot Fishing in North Carolina
When spot are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spot catch through the year
Recreational catch in North Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for North Carolina
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching spot in North Carolina
Spot catches in North Carolina run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 19% 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 spot 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 spot in North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 19% of the spot caught are kept and 81% are released. That works out to roughly 389K kept and 1.7M released in 2024.
How many spot are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 2.1M spot caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #8 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spot data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
