Bluefish regulations in Maryland

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A bluefish is a keeper today if it measures at least 8 inches, with a daily limit of 5.

Bluefish size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays	Open year-round	8 inch minimum	5 per person (7 on for-hire boats)
Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries	Open year-round	8 inch minimum	5 per person (7 on for-hire boats)

Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording

Season: Open year-round
Size: 8 inches
Limit: Shore or Private Boat: 5 per person, For-Hire Boat: 7 per person
Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed: “Bluefish | 8 inches | Open Year Round | Shore or Private Boat: 5 per person, For-Hire Boat: 7 per person (new 2026)”
Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed: “Bluefish | 8 inches | Open Year Round | Shore or Private Boat: 5 per person, For-Hire Boat: 7 per person (new 2026)”

Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

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About the bluefish

Species of marine pelagic fish (''Pomatomus saltatrix'')

The bluefish is the only extant species of the family Pomatomidae. It is a marine pelagic fish found around the world in temperate and subtropical waters, except for the northern Pacific Ocean. Bluefish are known as tailor in Australia and New Zealand, elf and shad in South Africa. It is a popular gamefish and food fish.

Read more about Bluefish on Wikipedia →

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, not Wikipedia.

All 92 Maryland species A–Z →

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Bluefish in Maryland?

8 inch minimum in Maryland state waters.

How many Bluefish can you keep per day in Maryland?

5 per person (7 on for-hire boats).

When is Bluefish season in Maryland?

Open year-round.

Is my Bluefish a keeper today?

A bluefish is a keeper today if it measures at least 8 inches, with a daily limit of 5.