Can I Keep?Black Sea Bass Regulations by State (2026)
Recreational black sea bass size limits, bag limits and seasons in 13 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 (3 rules) | 15.5 in minimum | Daily creel limit: 4 fish per angler (New for 2026) | Open Season: May 16 - November 25 (no mid-season closure) (New for… |
| Delaware | 12.5 in minimum | 15 per person | 12.0 It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to take and… |
| Florida (2 rules) | Minimum Size Limit: 10" total length | Daily Bag Limit: 100 pounds per person | — |
| Georgia | 12" TL | 15 | All year |
| Maine | Minimum size 13 inches. | 10 fish per angler per day. | May 19 – September 21 and October 18 – December 31, inclusive. |
| Massachusetts | Min: 16" | 4 fish (May 16 - Aug 31); 2 fish (Sept 1 - Oct 14) | May 16 - Aug 31; Sept 1 - Oct 14 |
| New Hampshire | 16.5 in minimum | 4 per person | — |
| New Jersey | 12.5 inches | 10 fish at 12.5 inches May 15 – June 21; 1 fish at 12.5 inches June… | 10 fish at 12.5 inches May 15 – June 21; 1 fish at 12.5 inches June… |
| New York | 16" | 3 6 | May 16 - Aug 31 Sept 1 - Dec 31 |
| North Carolina (2 rules) | 13" TL | 15/Day | Season open May 1-Dec. 31 |
| Rhode Island (2 rules) | 16" | 3 fish/person/day | 5/16 - 12/31 |
| South Carolina (2 rules) | 13-inch TL | 7 per person per day | There are no closed seasons in state waters (out to 3 miles offshore). |
| Virginia | 13 in minimum | 15 per person | C. In 2026, the open recreational fishing season shall be from May 11… |