Sharks - Hammerheads (Scalloped, Great, Smooth) Regulations in Maryland (2026)

Recreational sharks - hammerheads (scalloped, great, smooth) rules in Maryland saltwater, as published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

78 in minimum

Bag limit

D. Catch Limits. (1) There is no catch limit for smoothhound…

Season

B. Season Closure. A recreational angler may not harvest, possess, or…

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Recreational Sharks - Hammerheads (Scalloped, Great, Smooth) rules in Maryland

Where: All waters
Size limit: (3) The minimum fork length is 78 inches for the species listed in §A(15)—(17) of this regulation. (fork length)
Bag limit: D. Catch Limits. (1) There is no catch limit for smoothhound (Mustelus canis) sharks. (2) Shore-Angler Catch Limits. Each calendar day, a recreational shore-angler may harvest: (a) Only one shark, regardless of the species, from the species listed in §A(2)—(17) of this regulation; (b) One additional Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae); and (c) One additional Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo). (3) Vessel-Fishing Catch Limits. (a) A recreational fishing vessel may not harvest more than one shark, per trip, from the list in §A(2)—(19) of this regulation, regardless of the: (i) Species of shark; and (ii) Number of people on board the vessel. (b) In addition to the vessel limit described in §D(3)(a) of this regulation, each recreational angler fishing from a vessel may harvest, per trip: (i) One Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae); and (ii) One Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo).
Season: B. Season Closure. A recreational angler may not harvest, possess, or transport the species listed in §A(6)—(11) and (15)—(17) of this regulation from May 15 through July 15, inclusive, regardless of where the shark was caught.

E. Gear. (1) A recreational angler may catch sharks using only active line fishing gear. (2) Except when fishing with artificial flies or artificial lures, a recreational angler fishing for sharks shall use a circle hook. (3) A circle hook used to catch a shark shall be corrodible. (4) A recreational angler fishing for sharks shall have in possession at least one device capable of quickly cutting either the leader or the hook.
Species covered: Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini); Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran); Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena)

Official source

Quick answers

What is the sharks - hammerheads (scalloped, great, smooth) size limit in Maryland?

(3) The minimum fork length is 78 inches for the species listed in §A(15)—(17) of this regulation. (fork length).

How many sharks - hammerheads (scalloped, great, smooth) can I keep in Maryland?

D. Catch Limits. (1) There is no catch limit for smoothhound (Mustelus canis) sharks. (2) Shore-Angler Catch Limits. Each calendar day, a recreational shore-angler may harvest: (a) Only one shark, regardless of the species, from the species listed in §A(2)—(17) of this regulation; (b) One additional Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae); and (c) One additional Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo). (3) Vessel-Fishing Catch Limits. (a) A recreational fishing vessel may not harvest more than one shark, per trip, from the list in §A(2)—(19) of this regulation, regardless of the: (i) Species of shark; and (ii) Number of people on board the vessel. (b) In addition to the vessel limit described in §D(3)(a) of this regulation, each recreational angler fishing from a vessel may harvest, per trip: (i) One Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae); and (ii) One Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo)..

When is sharks - hammerheads (scalloped, great, smooth) season in Maryland?

B. Season Closure. A recreational angler may not harvest, possess, or transport the species listed in §A(6)—(11) and (15)—(17) of this regulation from May 15 through July 15, inclusive, regardless of where the shark was caught.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

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Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Most anglers need a Maryland saltwater license or registry: get one here.