SlotGaugeCheck a catchBlack Sea Bass regulations in Maryland
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Black Sea Bass size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays | May 1 – December 31 | 12.5 inch minimum | 15 per person per day |
| Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries | May 1 – December 31 | 12.5 inch minimum | 15 per person per day |
Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording
- Season
- May 1–Dec. 31
- Size
- 12 1/2 inches (excluding tail filament)
- Limit
- Daily—15
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed
- “Black Sea Bass | 12 1/2" inches (excluding tail filament) | May 1–Dec. 31 | Daily—15”
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed
- “Black Sea Bass | 12 1/2" inches (excluding tail filament) | May 1–Dec. 31 | Daily—15”
Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the black sea bass
Species of fish
The black sea bass is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a sea bass from the subfamily Serraninae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the groupers and anthias. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, where it is an important species for commercial and recreational fisheries.
Read more about Black sea bass on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Black Sea Bass in Maryland?
12.5 inch minimum in Maryland state waters.
How many Black Sea Bass can you keep per day in Maryland?
15 per person per day.
When is Black Sea Bass season in Maryland?
May 1 – December 31.
Is my Black Sea Bass a keeper today?
A black sea bass is a keeper today if it measures at least 12.5 inches, with a daily limit of 15.