Can I Keep?Spanish Mackerel Regulations in Maryland (2026)
Recreational spanish mackerel 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 Spanish Mackerel rules in Maryland
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- An individual may not catch or possess a Spanish mackerel less than 14 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- (2) Catch Limit. An individual may not catch or possess more than 15 Spanish mackerel per day.
- Season
- The recreational season for catching Spanish mackerel is January 1 through December 31.
Commercial rules
Show 2 commercial rules
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 14"
- Season
- The season will close at 12:01 a.m. October 7, 2025. / The season will reopen at 12:01 a.m. March 1, 2026 / During the closure there is a bycatch limit of 500 lbs/vessel/day or trip, whichever is longer, regardless of the number of licensees on board the vessel
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: COMAR 08.02.05.14 Public Notice - Spanish Mackerel Commercial Fishery Season and Catch Limit — Effective 10/7/2025
- Where
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and tributaries (ocean)
- Size limit
- 14"
- Season
- The season will close at 12:01 a.m. November 16, 2024. / The season will reopen at 12:01 a.m. January 1, 2025. / During the closure there is a bycatch limit of 500 lbs/vessel/day or trip, whichever is longer, regardless of the number of licensees on board the vessel
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: COMAR 08.02.05.14 Public Notice - Spanish Mackerel Commercial Fishery Season and Catch Limit — Effective 10/7/2025
Quick answers
What is the spanish mackerel size limit in Maryland?
An individual may not catch or possess a Spanish mackerel less than 14 inches total length..
How many spanish mackerel can I keep in Maryland?
(2) Catch Limit. An individual may not catch or possess more than 15 Spanish mackerel per day..
When is spanish mackerel season in Maryland?
The recreational season for catching Spanish mackerel is January 1 through December 31.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Spanish Mackerel limits in other states →
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)
- Sharks - Smoothhound, Atlantic Sharpnose, Bonnethead
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.