Flounder Size Limit Increases

Photo courtesy of Ocean Crest Pier

Even with the new length limits, the flounder on the left won't need to be measured. However, the one on the right may barely be a keeper in some N.C. waters.

MOREHEAD CITY – The size limit for recreationally caught flounder will increase to 15.5 inches in many coastal waters of the state beginning March 1.

The new size limit applies to flounder caught in the ocean and eastern sounds, from the Virginia state line to Browns Inlet. Specific lines are detailed in the attached proclamation.

The current size limit for flounder caught in these areas is 14.5 inches.

The size limit increase is necessary to account for overages in the 2007 recreational harvest of summer flounder, so that the state may remain in compliance with an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission coast-wide quota. North Carolina had been allocated 137,000 fish for recreational catches in 2007. Fishermen caught 174,000 fish.

The creel limit will remain at 8-fish-per-day-per-person in all North Carolina coastal waters. The flounder size limit will remain at 14 inches in the western rivers and sounds, and south of Browns Inlet.

The increased size limit does not apply to commercial flounder catches. Commercial flounder harvests are managed under a separate quota system. The commercial quota for 2008 was reduced Jan. 1.

For more information visit www.ncdmf.net or call 1-800-682-2632.