Atlantic Cod Regulations in Maine (2026)

Gadus morhua

Recreational atlantic cod rules in Maine saltwater, as published by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

Minimum size 23 inches.

Bag limit

1 fish per angler per day.

Season

Sept 1 – Oct 31, inclusive.

Recreational Atlantic Cod rules in Maine

Method of take: see general guidelines
General guidelines: unless further restricted, a person may fish for, take, possess or transport any species of fish if they have been taken by speargun, harpoon, minnow trap, hand dip net or hook and line and are only for personal use.

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Statewide
Size limit: Minimum fish sizes (total length): Cod ………………………………………………………………………19 (48.3 cm)
Bag limit: Atlantic cod. It shall be unlawful for persons who do not possess a federal groundfish permit to fish for, take, possess or land more than 200 pounds (90.7 kg) of cod taken from Maine’s territorial waters per vessel per trip.
Season: Maine groundfish spawning closure. Except for recreational harvest authorized by this chapter, it is illegal to fish for, take, or have in possession groundfish listed under this part during the months of April, May and June. Maine's territorial waters are closed to commercial harvest as follows: All territorial waters west of a line, running 180° magnetic from West Quoddy Head, in Lubec, to the Canadian international border. Commercial ground fishing vessels must have all fishing gear securely stowed and covered when transiting this area during the closed period. The stowage requirements will not apply to vessels secured to or moving between docks or moorings within a harbor.

Otter and beam trawl. The minimum mesh size for any otter or beam trawl net on a vessel, or used by any vessel fishing in Maine's territorial waters, shall be 6 inches diamond mesh or 6.5 inches square mesh in the body and wings, and 6.5 inches diamond mesh or square mesh in the cod end.
Gill net. Sink gillnets must have a mesh size of at least 6.5 inches and be labeled with the owner’s commercial fishing license number. Gillnet fishermen may not fish more than fifty sink gillnets at one time. Sink gillnets with mesh measuring less than 6.5 inches are illegal and subject to seizure.
Hooks. The use of hooks on any commercial fishing vessel engaged in tub trawling or long lining shall be 12/0 or greater circle hooks and limited to 250 in number except as provided for Atlantic Halibut in this chapter.
Unless otherwise specified under this chapter, the minimum fish size applies to the whole fish or any part of a fish while possessed on board a vessel and to whole fish only, after landing. Fish or parts of fish must have skin on while possessed on board a vessel and at the time of landing in order to meet minimum size requirements. “Skin on” means the entire portion of the skin normally attached to the portion of the fish or fish parts possessed.

Minimum size 23 inches..

1 fish per angler per day..

Sept 1 – Oct 31, inclusive.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources. Most anglers need a Maine saltwater license or registry: get one here.