SlotGaugeCheck a catchRed Drum regulations in Maryland
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Red Drum size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays | Open year-round | 18–26 inch slot | 3 per person per day |
| Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries | Open year-round | 18–26 inch slot | 3 per person per day |
Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- 18–26 inches
- Limit
- Daily—3
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed
- “Red Drum (Channel Bass or Puppy Drum) | 18–26 inches | Open Year Round | Daily—3”
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed
- “Red Drum (Channel Bass or Puppy Drum) | 18–26 inches | Open Year Round | Daily—3”
Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the red drum
Species of fish
The red drum, also known as redfish, channel bass, puppy drum, spottail bass, or simply red, is a game fish found in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to northern Mexico. It is the only species in the genus Sciaenops.
Read more about Red drum 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 Red Drum in Maryland?
18–26 inch slot in Maryland state waters.
How many Red Drum can you keep per day in Maryland?
3 per person per day.
When is Red Drum season in Maryland?
Open year-round.
Is my Red Drum a keeper today?
A red drum is a keeper today if it measures between 18 and 26 inches, with a daily limit of 3.