Can I Keep?Sharks - Finetooth, Blacknose, Tiger, Blacktip, Spinner, Bull, Lemon, Nurse, Porbeagle, Common Thresher, Blue Regulations in Maryland (2026)
Recreational sharks - finetooth, blacknose, tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon, nurse, porbeagle, common thresher, blue rules in Maryland saltwater, as published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Sharks - Finetooth, Blacknose, Tiger, Blacktip, Spinner, Bull, Lemon, Nurse, Porbeagle, Common Thresher, Blue rules in Maryland
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- (2) The minimum fork length is 4.5 feet (54 inches) for the species listed in §A(4)—(14) 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: Finetooth (Carcharhinus isodon); Blacknose (Carcharhinus acronotus); Tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier); Blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus); Spinner (Carcharhinus brevipinna); Bull (Carcharhinus leucas); Lemon (Negaprion brevirostris); Nurse (Ginglymostoma cirratum); Porbeagle (Lamna nasus); Common thresher (Alopias vulpinus); Blue (Prionace glauca)
- Season closure applies to tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon and nurse sharks only (not finetooth, blacknose, porbeagle, common thresher, blue).
Quick answers
What is the sharks - finetooth, blacknose, tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon, nurse, porbeagle, common thresher, blue size limit in Maryland?
(2) The minimum fork length is 4.5 feet (54 inches) for the species listed in §A(4)—(14) of this regulation. (fork length).
How many sharks - finetooth, blacknose, tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon, nurse, porbeagle, common thresher, blue 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 - finetooth, blacknose, tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon, nurse, porbeagle, common thresher, blue 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.
More offshore & pelagic in Maryland
- American Shad
- Atlantic Menhaden
- Hickory Shad
- River Herring
- Sharks - Hammerheads (Scalloped, Great, Smooth)
- Sharks - Smoothhound, Atlantic Sharpnose, Bonnethead
- Spanish Mackerel
All Maryland saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Most anglers need a Maryland saltwater license or registry: get one here.