Can I Keep?American Eel Regulations by State (2026)
Recreational american eel size limits, bag limits and seasons in 11 US coastal states, each from the state's fishery agency. Where a state has several rules, the first is shown; open the state for all of them.
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| State | Size limit | Bag limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Minimum length: 9 inches | Daily creel limit: 25 fish per angler | Open Season: Open Year Round |
| Delaware | 9 in minimum | — | — |
| Georgia | 9" TL | 25 | All year |
| Maine | minimum size 9 inches | 25 eels per angler per day, personal use only | — |
| Maryland | 9 in minimum | 25 per person | — |
| Massachusetts | Min: 9" | 25 fish | Year Round |
| New Hampshire | 9 in minimum | (c) No recreational anglers shall possess more than 25 American eels… | — |
| New York (2 rules) | 9" | 25 for individuals 50 for anglers aboard licensed party/charter boats | All year |
| North Carolina | 9" TL | 25/Day | Season open January 1 – August 31, except year-round when taken by… |
| Rhode Island | 9" | 25 eels/person/day; 50 eels/vsl/day for licensed party/charter vessels | 1/1 - 12/31 |
| Virginia | 9 in minimum | 25 per person | — |