Can I Keep?Black Sea Bass Regulations in Rhode Island (2026)
Recreational black sea bass rules in Rhode Island saltwater, as published by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Marine Fisheries. 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 Black Sea Bass rules in Rhode Island
- Where
- General Recreational
- Size limit
- 16"
- Bag limit
- 3 fish/person/day
- Season
- 5/16 - 12/31
- Applies to: General Recreational
- Where
- Party and Charter
- Size limit
- 16"
- Bag limit
- 5/16 - 8/31: 4 fish/person/day; 9/1 - 12/31: 6 fish/person/day
- Season
- 5/16 - 8/31; 9/1 - 12/31
- Applies to: Party and Charter
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 11"
- Bag limit
- 500 lbs/day
- Season
- Sub-Periods; 1/1 - 4/30; 5/1 - 6/30; 7/1 - 8/15; 8/16 - 9/15; 9/16 - 10/15; 10/16 - 12/31
Quick answers
What is the black sea bass size limit in Rhode Island?
16" (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many black sea bass can I keep in Rhode Island?
3 fish/person/day (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is black sea bass season in Rhode Island?
5/16 - 12/31. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Black Sea Bass limits in other states →
More reef fish in Rhode Island
All Rhode Island saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Rhode Island saltwater license or registry: get one here.