Information on Proactive Sheepshead Management

Sheepshead Management Issue Paper

At its August 2024 meeting, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission requested the Division investigate trends in the sheepshead commercial and recreational fisheries to determine if proactive management changes are needed to slow the growth of the fishery. Division staff investigated increases in effort and landings, and possible size and age truncation of the sheepshead stock.

Due to increases in fishing pressure, particularly on juvenile fish, and a decline in older fish observed in recent years, the Division will implement management changes in January 2026 for sheepshead. The Division is providing an opportunity for public to provide input for further management of sheepshead.

The Division encourages the public to review the information in the presentation that was given to the Commission in August 2025 (see the video below) and the draft Issue Paper. The division will hold one hybrid virtual/in-person public hearing on November 4, 2025 and an open public comment period from October 22, 2025 through November 5, 2025. The public may provide comment on sheepshead management changes online, in writing via mail, or at the public hearing. The Division will use the input from the public to guide the management changes that will be effective in January 2026.

Public Hearing and Comment Period

The Division will hold one hybrid public hearing on November 4, 2025 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at NCDMF Central District Officer in Morehead City, with a virtual option, to engage the public about potential management changes. 

The division will also open a two-week public comment period from October 22, 2025 through November 5, 2025. Comments may be submitted via the following methods:

• An online form.
• Mail to Sheepshead Public Comments, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.
• Dropped off at the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Morehead City Headquarters Office at 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City.

Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on November 5th, 2025. 

Submit Written Comments Online 

Sheepshead Management Background

There currently is no state or federal FMP for sheepshead. In 2015, the NCMFC implemented regulations (Proclamation FF-28-2015) that included size, bag, and trip limits to prevent overharvest, as well as to allow a greater number of fish to spawn before being harvested. Current management measures include:

Minimum Size Limit

10 inches fork length

Harvest Limits

• Recreational: 10 per person per day
• Commercial: 300 pounds per trip except:
  • Gigs and spears: 10 fish per trip
  • Pound nets: Exempt from trip limit