Discrepancy in Black Sea Bass Fishing Regulations Announced for Maryland State and Federal Waters

State of MD - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced new recreational fishing regulations for black sea bass, which will become effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 19, 2026. A regulatory discrepancy currently exists between state and federal waters.

This inconsistency is attributed to an administrative delay by NOAA regarding the publication and implementation of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework.

The recreational seasons and minimum sizes differ based on the jurisdiction of the waters.

State waters are defined as the Chesapeake Bay, its tidal tributaries, and the Atlantic Ocean within three nautical miles of the coast.

In Maryland state waters, the black sea bass season is open from May 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The minimum size limit is 12-1/2 inches, excluding the tail filament.

Federal waters are defined as all waters of the Atlantic Ocean beginning three nautical miles from the coast and extending to 200 miles from the coast. In federal waters, the season is open from May 15, 2026, through September 30, 2026. The minimum size limit in these waters is 15 inches, excluding the tail filament.

Individuals who possess a federal Black Sea Bass Charter or Party permit are required to follow the more restrictive federal rules, even when fishing in state waters.

This action is required to implement the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. State officials recognize that the differing rules may cause public confusion, alongside potential social and economic harm.

To address this, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and Congressman Andy Harris have sent letters to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler. The correspondence urges an immediate remedy to the federal framework delay.

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service maintains the authority to modify the measures that apply to federal waters. An updated public notice will be issued if NOAA makes changes to the federal black sea bass regulations.