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Maryland fishing regulations

Curated references from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected Maryland saltwater reference subset is not a complete rulebook.

OPEN NOWALL SPECIESAUG 2026

SOURCEMD DNR recreational fishing regulations ↗UPDATED AUGUST 4, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCRules vary by location, method, vessel, and emergency closure.The Maryland DNR page is an informational summary; the applicable state regulations are authoritative.

SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING

Black Sea BassMinimum is 12.5 inches, excluding the tail filament; open May 1-December 31 in the Maryland DNR-linked Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic tables. · Listed season windows: May 1, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 15 fish listed15 per day12.5"OPEN

BluefishMaryland Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean/coastal-bays tables list open year-round and the two vessel-category limits.Shore or private boat: 5 per person; for-hire boat: 7 per person8"OPEN

Croaker (Hardhead)Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic/coastal-bays tables list 9 inches, open year-round, daily 25.25 per day9"OPEN

Red DrumThe Maryland DNR regulation-change summary says the 18-26-inch slot and 3-fish limit apply anywhere in Maryland (Chesapeake Bay, tidal tributaries, and coastal waters), effective August 3, 2026.3 fish per person per day18"OPEN

Spanish MackerelOpen year-round; Chesapeake Bay table additionally says the fish must be landed with head and fins intact.15 per day14"OPEN

SpotNo minimum size is listed; Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic/coastal-bays tables list open year-round and daily 50.50 per day—OPEN

Striped Bass (Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays and Tributaries)Maryland DNR's Atlantic Coast notice applies to the Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays, and coastal-bay tributaries, and explicitly excludes Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.1 fish per person per day28"OPEN

Striped Bass (Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Tributaries)DNR's 2026 Chesapeake Bay schedule: January 1-April 30 catch-and-release; May 1-July 31 harvest; August 1-31 closed; September 1-December 5 harvest; December 6-31 catch-and-release. Spawning rivers and the Upper Bay spawning area remain closed to targeting March 1-May 31. · Listed season windows: Jan 1, 2026 through Apr 30, 2026 · 0 fish listed · May 1, 2026 through Jul 31, 2026 · 1 fish listed · Aug 1, 2026 through Aug 31, 2026 · 0 fish listed · Sep 1, 2026 through Dec 5, 2026 · 1 fish listed · Dec 6, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 0 fish listed——CLOSED

Summer Flounder (Fluke)Open year-round; minimum size is 16 inches January 1-May 31 and 17.5 inches June 1-December 31. Maryland DNR's public notice says these rules are effective May 2, 2026 and mirror state and federal waters. · Listed season windows: Jan 1, 2026 through May 31, 2026 · 4 fish listed · Jun 1, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 4 fish listed4 fish per person per day16"OPEN

TautogMay catch-and-release May 16-June 30; no harvest window is listed for that period. · Listed season windows: Jan 1, 2026 through May 15, 2026 · 4 fish listed · Jul 1, 2026 through Oct 31, 2026 · 2 fish listed · Nov 1, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 4 fish listedJanuary 1-May 15: 4 per day; July 1-October 31: 2 per day; November 1-December 31: 4 per day16"OPEN

White PerchThe Chesapeake Bay table states no minimum size when caught with hook and line; an 8-inch minimum applies when caught with other gear. No creel limit is listed.None—OPEN

Reference only, not permission to fish or retain a catch. Verify the current official regulations before you go.