Can I Keep?Striped Bass Regulations in Maryland (2026)
Recreational striped bass rules in Maryland saltwater, as published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Striped Bass rules in Maryland
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- (2) A person may not catch or possess striped bass less than 19 inches in total length. (3) A person may not catch or possess striped bass greater than 24 inches in total length.
- Bag limit
- (1) A person may not catch or possess more than one striped bass per day. When fishing in any area described in this regulation, all striped bass in a person’s possession shall meet the size and possession limits set forth in regulation for that area.
- Season
- (1) From May 1 through May 15, a person may catch or possess striped bass only in the following areas: (a) Chesapeake Bay north of the William Preston Lane Jr. (2) From May 16 through May 31, a person may catch or possess striped bass only in the following areas: (a) All of the areas listed in §A(1) of this regulation; (3) Except for the closure specified in COMAR 08.02.15.12I(5), from June 1 through December 5, a person may catch or possess striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. (5) During the period August 1 through August 31, a person may not target striped bass or striped bass hybrids in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries.
- A. A person may not use a gaff or similar device to remove striped bass from the water. A person who catches striped bass shall remove it from the water only by hand or dip net. (2) During a recreational striped bass season: (a) Between 12 a.m. midnight and 5 a.m., a person may not possess striped bass while fishing on the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries; and (b) An individual may not cull striped bass.
- From May 1 through May 31 striped bass may be caught or possessed only in the areas described in the regulation.
- Spawning rivers and areas are closed to targeting striped bass March 1 through May 31 (COMAR 08.02.15.12I(2)).
- Where
- Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays, and their tributaries (ocean)
- Size limit
- minimum size for striped bass is 28 inches maximum size is 31 inches (total length)
- Bag limit
- keep one striped bass per person per day
- 2026 Atlantic Coast Recreational and Charter Boat Striped Bass Fishery — Effective 1/1/2026. Supersedes the size/catch limits printed in COMAR 08.02.15.11.
- Does not apply to the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries.
Commercial rules
Show 7 commercial rules
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries - Drift Gill Net - Common Pool (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 18'' minimum 36" maximum
- Season
- Rules for Drift Gill Net - Common Pool / Open dates and limits during the season are established by / public notice / Season CLOSED unless opened by public notice / 3:00 am until 6:00 pm / Permit required / Fish must be checked in within 3 hours of completing trip and not later than 9:00 pm the day of harvest / Stretched mesh 5" min, 7" max / No more than 3500 yards of net on a vessel in no more than 10 boxes
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: Public Notice - Temporary Transfer Rules Public Notice - Permanent Transfer Rules COMAR 08.02.15.07
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries - Drift Gill Net - ITQ (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 18" minimum 36" maximum
- Season
- Rules for Drift Gill Net - ITQ / 1/1 through 2/29 / and / 12/1 through 12/31 / Season CLOSED All Other Dates / 3:00 am until 6:00 pm / Permit required / Fish must be checked in no later than 9 am the day immediately following harvest / Stretched mesh 5" min, 7" max / No more than 3500 yards of net on a vessel in no more than 10 boxes
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: Public Notice - Temporary Transfer Rules Public Notice - Permanent Transfer Rules COMAR 08.02.15.07
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries - Haul Seine (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 18" minimum 36" maximum
- Season
- Rules for Haul Seine / 1/1 through 2/29 / and / 6/1 through 12/31 / Season CLOSED All Other Dates / May not catch or land on Saturday or Sunday / Permit required / Fish must be checked in no later than 9 am the day immediately following harvest
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: Public Notice - Temporary Transfer Rules Public Notice - Permanent Transfer Rules COMAR 08.02.15.07
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries - Hook and Line - Common Pool (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 18" minimum 36" maximum
- Season
- Rules for Hook and Line - Common Pool / Open dates and limits during the season are established by / public notice / Season CLOSED unless opened by public notice / Times: 1 hour before sunrise through 1 hour before sunset / May not catch or land on Friday, Saturday or Sunday / Permit and flag required / Fish must be checked in no later than 9 pm on the day of harvest or 9 am the day immediately following harvest / A maximum of 4 individuals, including crew members may be present on a vessel engaged in the Chesapeake Bay common pool hook-and-line fishery
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: Public Notice - Temporary Transfer Rules Public Notice - Permanent Transfer Rules COMAR 08.02.15.07
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries - Hook and Line - ITQ (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 18" minimum 36" maximum
- Season
- Rules for Hook and Line - ITQ / 6/1 through 12/31 / Season CLOSED All Other Dates / 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset / May not catch or land on Saturday or Sunday / Permit and flag required / Fish must be checked in no later than 9 am the day immediately following harvest
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: Public Notice - Temporary Transfer Rules Public Notice - Permanent Transfer Rules COMAR 08.02.15.07
- Where
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries - Pound Net (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 18'' minimum 36" maximum
- Season
- Rules for Pound Net / 6/1 through 12/31 / Season CLOSED All Other Dates / 12 am to 6 pm / May not catch or land on Sunday / Permit required / Fish must be checked in no later than 9 am the day immediately following harvest
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: Public Notice - Temporary Transfer Rules Public Notice - Permanent Transfer Rules COMAR 08.02.15.07
- Where
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and tributaries (ocean)
- Size limit
- 24''
- Season
- Season CLOSED 6/1 through 9/30 / May not catch or land on Saturday or Sunday / Permit required / Allocation determined annually
- DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.
- Linked documents: Public Notice - Transfer Rules COMAR 08.02.15
Quick answers
What is the striped bass size limit in Maryland?
(2) A person may not catch or possess striped bass less than 19 inches in total length. (3) A person may not catch or possess striped bass greater than 24 inches in total length. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many striped bass can I keep in Maryland?
(1) A person may not catch or possess more than one striped bass per day. When fishing in any area described in this regulation, all striped bass in a person’s possession shall meet the size and possession limits set forth in regulation for that area. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is striped bass season in Maryland?
(1) From May 1 through May 15, a person may catch or possess striped bass only in the following areas: (a) Chesapeake Bay north of the William Preston Lane Jr. (2) From May 16 through May 31, a person may catch or possess striped bass only in the following areas: (a) All of the areas listed in §A(1) of this regulation; (3) Except for the closure specified in COMAR 08.02.15.12I(5), from June 1 through December 5, a person may catch or possess striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. (5) During the period August 1 through August 31, a person may not target striped bass or striped bass hybrids in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
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More inshore in Maryland
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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.