SlotGaugeCheck a catchStriped Bass regulations in Maryland
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Striped Bass size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays | Open year-round | 28–31 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
| Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries | May 1 – July 31, September 1 – December 5 | 19–24 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' notes (Chesapeake zone). Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass
- Chesapeake: catch-and-release only Jan 1 – Apr 30 (Mar–Apr lower Bay only) and Dec 6 – 31; no targeting Aug 1–31; May 1–31 harvest limited to designated areas. Circle hooks required with bait; cannot be used as bait.
Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- 28–31 inches
- Limit
- 1 fish per person per day
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed
- “Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays — Year-round: 1 fish per person per day, 28–31 inches”
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed
- “May 1–May 31: 1 fish per person per day. Must be at least 19" and cannot exceed 24" (designated waters). June 1–July 31: All areas open, same limits. Aug. 1–31: All areas closed to striped bass fishing. Sept. 1–Dec. 5: All areas open, same limits. Dec. 6–31 and Jan. 1–Feb. 28: catch and release only. Mar. 1–Apr. 30: catch and release only in the lower Bay.”
Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the striped bass
Species of fish
The striped bass, also called the Atlantic striped bass, striper, linesider, rock, or rockfish, is an anadromous perciform fish of the family Moronidae found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has also been widely introduced into inland recreational fisheries across the United States. Striped bass found in the Gulf of Mexico are a separate strain referred to as Gulf Coast striped bass.
Read more about Striped 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 Striped Bass in Maryland?
28–31 inch slot in Maryland state waters.
How many Striped Bass can you keep per day in Maryland?
1 per person per day.
When is Striped Bass season in Maryland?
Open year-round.
Is my Striped Bass a keeper today?
A striped bass is a keeper today if it measures between 28 and 31 inches, with a daily limit of 1.