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Black Sea Bass Regulations in Maine (2026)

Centropristes striatus

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

Size limit
Minimum size 13 inches.
Bag limit
10 fish per angler per day.
Season
May 19 – September 21 and October 18 – December 31, inclusive.

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Recreational Black Sea Bass rules in Maine

Where
Statewide
Size limit
Minimum size 13 inches.
Bag limit
10 fish per angler per day.
Season
May 19 – September 21 and October 18 – December 31, inclusive.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Statewide
Size limit
Size restriction. It shall be unlawful to take or possess black sea bass measuring less than 13 inches not including the filament/tail extension.
Bag limit
Vessel trip limit. It is unlawful to harvest, land or possess more than 50 pounds of black sea bass per calendar day or 24-hour period when Maine territorial waters are not closed to the taking of black sea bass in accordance with Chapter 51.02(1).
  • Fishing method. It shall be unlawful to fish for or take black sea bass from the coastal waters of the State by any method other than hook and line.
  • Quota. Commercial fishing for black sea bass is subject to the annual quota specified by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) specifications. The annual quota is established annually by May 1st for the fishing year. When the annual ASMFC quota for black sea bass is reached, it shall be unlawful to fish for, take, have in possession or land black sea bass taken from Maine territorial waters. Persons shall be informed by public notice in a newspaper with statewide circulation when the annual quota for black sea bass taken from Maine territorial waters has been reached. This is in accordance with the annual quota established by the ASMFC.
  • License requirements. Commercial fishermen must obtain a Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Commercial Pelagic and Anadromous Fishing License in order to harvest black sea bass.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the black sea bass size limit in Maine?

Minimum size 13 inches..

How many black sea bass can I keep in Maine?

10 fish per angler per day..

When is black sea bass season in Maine?

May 19 – September 21 and October 18 – December 31, inclusive.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Black Sea Bass limits in other states →

More reef fish in Maine

All Maine saltwater fishing regulations →

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