Pinfish Fishing in North Carolina
When pinfish are caught across North Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Pinfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in North Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching pinfish in North Carolina
Pinfish catches in North Carolina run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 8% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the North Carolina fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch pinfish in North Carolina?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release pinfish in North Carolina?+
Across North Carolina, about 8% of the pinfish caught are kept and 92% are released. That works out to roughly 1.0M kept and 11M released in 2024.
How many pinfish are caught in North Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 12M pinfish caught by recreational anglers in North Carolina in 2024, making it the #1 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this pinfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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