Spotted Seatrout regulations in Maryland

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A spotted seatrout is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 4.

Spotted Seatrout size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays	Open year-round	14 inch minimum	4 per person per day
Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries	Open year-round	14 inch minimum	4 per person per day

Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording

Season: Open year-round
Size: 14 inches
Limit: Daily—4
Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed: “Spotted Seatrout | 14 inches | Open Year Round | Daily—4”
Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed: “Spotted Seatrout | 14 inches | Open Year Round | Daily—4”

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

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About the spotted seatrout

Species of fish

Spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, is a common estuarine fish found in the southern United States along coasts of Gulf of Mexico and the coastal Atlantic Ocean from Maryland to Florida. While most of these fish are caught on shallow, grassy flats, spotted seatrout reside in virtually any inshore waters, from the surf of outside islands to far up coastal rivers, where they often come for shelter during cold weather. Contrary to its name, the spotted seatrout is not a member of the trout family (Salmonidae), but of the drum family (Sciaenidae). It is popular for commercial and especially recreational fishing in coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Adults reach 19–37 inches in length and 3–17 pounds in weight.

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

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Spotted Seatrout in Maryland?

14 inch minimum in Maryland state waters.

How many Spotted Seatrout can you keep per day in Maryland?

4 per person per day.

When is Spotted Seatrout season in Maryland?

Open year-round.

Is my Spotted Seatrout a keeper today?

A spotted seatrout is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 4.