Maryland · Black sea bass

Black sea bass size limit in Maryland

You can keep one today — within these limits

Black sea bass identification illustration — side view for checking Maryland size limits
Black sea bass, drawn to show the marks that identify it. It is an illustration, not a photo — where identification decides a fine, MD DNR is the authority.

statewide tidal waters

Open today
Size limit 12.5 inches and up total length
Daily bag 15 per person per day

Closes each year Closed January 1 through April 30 — the season runs May 1 to December 31

12.5 inches, 15 a day, open May 1 through December 31 — a smaller minimum and a longer season than New York's summer-only 16.5-inch rule for the same species.

MD DNR source page

What we left out on purpose

Other species limits in Maryland

You also need a Maryland fishing license →

Where to try today