Can I Keep?Scup Regulations in Rhode Island (2026)
Recreational scup 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 Scup rules in Rhode Island
- Where
- Shore
- Size limit
- 9.5"
- Bag limit
- 30 fish/person/day
- Season
- 5/1 - 12/31
- Applies to: Shore
- Where
- Private and Rental
- Size limit
- 11"
- Bag limit
- 30 fish/person/day
- Season
- 5/1 - 12/31
- Applies to: Private and Rental
- Where
- Party and Charter
- Size limit
- 11"
- Bag limit
- 5/1 - 8/31: 30 fish/person/day; 9/1 - 10/31: 40 fish/person/day; 11/1 - 12/31: 30 fish/person/day
- Season
- 5/1 - 8/31; 9/1 - 10/31; 11/1 - 12/31
- Applies to: Party and Charter
Commercial rules
Show 2 commercial rules
- Where
- General Category
- Size limit
- 9"
- Bag limit
- 12,000 lbs/day
- Season
- Sub-Periods; 1/1 - 4/30 (fed quota); 5/1 - 9/30; 10/1 - 12/31 (fed quota)
- Applies to: General Category
- 1/1 - 4/30 (fed quota)
- 10/1 - 12/31 (fed quota)
- Where
- Floating traps
- Size limit
- 9"
- Bag limit
- 12,000 lbs/day
- Season
- Sub-Periods; 1/1 - 4/30 (fed quota); 5/1 - 9/30; 10/1 - 12/31 (fed quota)
- Applies to: Floating traps
- 1/1 - 4/30 (fed quota)
- 10/1 - 12/31 (fed quota)
Quick answers
What is the scup size limit in Rhode Island?
9.5" (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many scup can I keep in Rhode Island?
30 fish/person/day (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is scup season in Rhode Island?
5/1 - 12/31. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Scup 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.