Sep 1, 2026 - Things to Do

Flounder fishing returns ahead of Labor Day weekend

Mary Helen Moore

An aerial view of a pier and buildings along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline on a clear day in February 2016 in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. — The pier in Wrightsville Beach in 2016. Photo: Lance King/Getty Images

Flounder is on the menu for local anglers heading toward the coast this Labor Day weekend. The state opened a two-week recreational season Sept. 1-14.

Why it matters: Flounder is one of North Carolina's most popular fish, but overfishing concerns have led state agencies to tightly limit recreational and commercial fishing in recent years.

What to expect: There's a limit of one flounder per day, and it must be at least 15 inches long to keep.

Flashback: The two-week season ran on the same dates in 2025, although Labor Day fell on Sept. 1, leaving long-weekend travelers only opening day.

How it works: North Carolina anglers must report any flounder they catch and keep, a requirement that took effect in December.

Report catches online or through the Division of Marine Fisheries app.
Mandatory reporting also applies to red drum, spotted seatrout, striped bass and weakfish.

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Flounder fishing returns ahead of Labor Day weekend

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