Mesh Size – Minimum is 2 1/2 inches stretch mesh. Some areas require larger mesh, if unsure call DMF.

Yardage – For an individual, the maximum length is 100 yards, for nets set from shore, a pier or a vessel. Two or more RCGL holders aboard a vessel are allowed to set a maximum of 200 yards and can possess aboard a vessel no more than 200 yards of net less than 5 ½ inches and no more than 200 yards 5 ½ inches or greater. If a person is under 16 years of age, accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian who holds a RCGL, they are allowed the maximum of 200 yards.

Marking Requirements – Two solid yellow buoys and one solid hot pink buoy at each end of the net (see Buoy Requirements).

Attendance – Must be immediately adjacent to the net (either in a vessel, in the water or on shore) and immediately available to work the net and no more than 100 yards from the net at all times (not in a building or structure.) North and east of the Emerald Isle (Hwy. 58) Bridge in Carteret County attendance of gill nets less than 5 1/2 inches stretched mesh is required at all times. Attendance of gill nets 5 1/2 inches stretched mesh or greater is required from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset. South and west of the Emerald Isle (Hwy. 58) Bridge in Carteret County to the South Carolina line attendance of gill nets is required at all times.

Mesh Size - Shrimp pots cannot have a mesh smaller than 1 1/4 inches stretch or 5/8 inch bar. Crab pots must have two escape rings at least 2 5/16 inches inside diameter.

Pot Limits – Limited to a total of five eel, fish, shrimp or crab pots; of the five, only two can be eel pots. Peeler pots are not allowed.

Buoy Lines – All crab pots must use non-floating.

Marking Requirements – One solid hot pink buoy on each pot (see Buoy Requirements).

Attendance - Fished at least every five days. Crab pots cannot be fished or retrieved from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

Designated Areas – There are areas where pots cannot be set from May 1- Nov. 30 each year. Contact DMF to find out about your area. Pots must not be placed in navigation channels marked by state or federal agencies or in any turning basin maintained and marked by the N.C. Ferry Division.

Closed Season - All pots must be removed from internal (non-ocean) waters Jan. 15 - Feb. 7 of each year.

Exemptions - One crab pot per person with properly marked buoys may be attached to the shore on privately owned land or to a privately owned pier without a RCGL. Up to two minnow traps may be set without a RCGL.