What to look for
- A single dark spot just behind the gill cover, above the pectoral fin
- Deep, silvery body with faint dark diagonal bars on the upper sides; forked tail
Seasonal starting point
Late summer into fall — a classic pier and bank run.
Regional field notes. Timing varies with the year and water; this is not a current bite report or a legal harvest season.
Where it belongs
Shallow coastal and estuarine water over sand or mud; seasonal movements change where schools occur.
How to start
A high-low rig with small pieces of shrimp, worm or squid is a practical beginning. Recheck the bait after taps; a large bait can hide the hook point.
Handle with care
Handle gently with wet hands and unhook promptly. Learn the species before deciding to retain it.
Check before you go
NC Marine Fisheries · spotVMRC · current recreational saltwater rulesNC Marine Fisheries · current size, bag and season rulesVMRC · handling and releasing fishSource review: September 11, 2026. Access and regulations can change. These are field notes, not a live conditions feed.