Maryland regulations
Black Drum Regulations in Maryland 2026
Maryland black drum 2026 open seasons vary by 4 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (10)
Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays And Tributaries
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Possession
- 6 fish
- Min size
- 16"
Open Year Round Daily—1 Boat limit—6 16 inches
Chesapeake Bay And Its Tidal Tributaries
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Possession
- 6 fish
- Min size
- 16"
Open Year Round Daily—1, Boat Limit—6 Boat Limit—6 16 inches
Other Maryland fish regulations
Other regulated species in Maryland with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow)172 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)107 rules
- Largemouth Bass46 rules
- Smallmouth Bass46 rules
- Yellow Perch9 rules
- Tog (Tautog / Blackfish)8 rules
- Channel Catfish8 rules
- White Perch7 rules
- Black Sea Bass5 rules
- Bluefish5 rules
- Weakfish5 rules
- Blue Catfish5 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)4 rules
- Cobia3 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)2 rules
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)2 rules
- Spanish Mackerel2 rules
- Sheepshead2 rules
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Drum season in Maryland?
Black Drum season in Maryland is set by DNR. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Black Drum in Maryland?
Minimum size for Black Drum in Maryland is 48 inches in Atlantic Coast Division, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Black Drum in Maryland?
Daily bag limit for Black Drum in Maryland is 1 fish in Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays And Tributaries, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26MDFW_LR5.pdf
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.