Can I Keep?Sharks - Smoothhound, Atlantic Sharpnose, Bonnethead Regulations in Maryland (2026)
Recreational sharks - smoothhound, atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead rules in Maryland saltwater, as published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Last checked November 7, 2026.
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Recreational Sharks - Smoothhound, Atlantic Sharpnose, Bonnethead rules in Maryland
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- (1) There is no minimum fork length for the species listed in §A(1)—(3) 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).
- 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: Smoothhound (Mustelus canis); Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae); Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo)
Quick answers
What is the sharks - smoothhound, atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead size limit in Maryland?
(1) There is no minimum fork length for the species listed in §A(1)—(3) of this regulation. (fork length).
How many sharks - smoothhound, atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead 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)..
More offshore & pelagic in Maryland
- American Shad
- Atlantic Menhaden
- Hickory Shad
- River Herring
- Sharks - Finetooth, Blacknose, Tiger, Blacktip, Spinner, Bull, Lemon, Nurse, Porbeagle, Common Thresher, Blue
- Sharks - Hammerheads (Scalloped, Great, Smooth)
- 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.