Can I Keep?American lobster Regulations by State (2026)
Recreational american lobster size limits, bag limits and seasons in 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 3.375–5.25 in | Any individual diver may catch, by hand, up to 2 lobsters a day | 2.1.1 and 2.1.2, it is unlawful to set or tend lobster pots or to… |
| Massachusetts (4 rules) | Minimum carapace 3 1/4"; maximum carapace 5" | 15 per person | Closed Season: All buoyed trap gear must be removed from the water by… |
| New Hampshire | 3.25–5 in | — | — |
| New York (3 rules) | 3 3/8" minimum carapace length 5 1/4" maximum carapace length | 6 | LMA 4: closed April 30 - May 31 |
| Rhode Island | 3.375 in minimum | Recreational Diver License allows the individual to dive and collect… | — |
| Virginia | 3.53125–5.25 in | — | — |