Billfish & Atlantic Tunas Size & Catch Limits

Name: eRegulations
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Billfish & Atlantic Tunas
Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit required to fish for these species. All billfish to be released may not be removed from the water. All recreationally caught Atlantic billfish landed must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours of landing at the dock. Anglers can report by calling 1-800-894-5528 or by visiting https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/. Recreationally caught billfish may not be sold.
Species	Closed Season	Bag Limit	Size Limit	Restrictions
Billfish
Blue Marlin			99-inch FL from lower jaw	May only be taken by rod & reel.
White Marlin			66-inch FL from lower jaw	May only be taken by rod & reel.
Sailfish			63-inch FL from lower jaw	May only be taken by rod & reel.
Swordfish		1 per person per day not to exceed 4 per vessel per trip	47-inch FL from lower jaw	May only be taken by rod & reel and handlines. Handlines must be attached to, or remain in contact with, the vessel at all times. See https://hmspermits.noaa.gov for for-hire vessel bag limits.
Roundscale Spearfish			66-inch FL from lower jaw	May only be taken by rod & reel.
Longbill Spearfish	Possession prohibited			If caught fish must be released immediately.
Atlantic Tunas
Federal Highly Migratory Species Permit required to fish for these species except for the Other Tunas. Check current federal regulations by calling 1-888-USA-TUNA (1-888-872-8862) or checking https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/.
Albacore, Skipjack	No associated regulations.
Bigeye Tuna			27-inch curved FL
Bluefin Tuna		NOAA Fisheries has adjusted the Atlantic Bluefin tuna daily retention limits which applies to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category. Visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/bluefin-tuna-angling-category-daily-retention-limit-adjustment for detailed information regarding bag limits prior to fishing.		See https://hmspermits.noaa.gov for for-hire vessel bag and size limits. All recreationally caught Atlantic billfish and Bluefin tuna landed must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours of landing at the dock.
Yellowfin Tuna		3 per person per day per trip	27-inch curved FL
Other tunas: Blackfin, Bonita, and Little tunny	No associated regulations.