Sharks
Season, Harvest Restrictions, Minimum Size and Daily Creel/Possession Limits |
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Shark Species Approved for Recreational Harvest* |
season |
minimum |
Daily Creel Shore* (per angler) |
Daily Creel Vessel* (per trip) |
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Bonnethead Shark |
Open Year Round |
None |
Each recreational shore angler is allowed a maximum of 1 shark per calendar day from this list of approved species. In addition, each recreational shore angler may harvest 1 of each of the following species per calendar day: 1. Bonnethead 2. Atlantic |
Each recreational vessel is allowed a maximum of 1 shark per trip from this list of approved species. In addition, each recreational angler may harvest 1 of each of the following species per trip: 1. Bonnethead 2. Atlantic |
Blacknose Shark, Blue Shark, Common Thresher Shark, Finetooth Shark, Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Porbeagle Shark |
Open Year Round |
54 inches |
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Blacktip Shark, Bull Shark, Lemon Shark, Nurse Shark, Spinner Shark, Tiger Shark |
Open Year Round Except May 15–July 15 |
54 inches |
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Great, Scalloped, and Smooth Hammerhead Sharks |
Open Year Round Except May 15–July 15 |
78 inches |
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Smooth Dogfish |
Open Year Round |
None |
None |
None |
Spiny Dogfish |
Open Year Round |
None |
None |
None |
* - Sharks that are transported by vessel are considered boat assisted, and regulated under the more restrictive vessel-fishing possession limits regardless of where they were caught. All species not listed in the above table, including sandbar and dusky sharks, are prohibited and must be released. |
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Sharks Caught Fishing in state Waters (Listed species represent a sampling which may be encountered)
Roundscale Spearfish Look Very Similar To White Marlin
For more information on identification of swordfish and billfish, please go to: fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/educational-materials/atlantic-swordfish-and-billfish-identification-guide
Shark Identification "If You Don't Know,
Let It Go"
fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/outreach-and-education/shark-identification-placard
Shark illustrations by Diane Rome Peebles
Source: Guide to Sharks, Tunas and Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by Rhode Island Sea Grant and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. To learn more about coastal Sharks in Maryland go to dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/coastal/sharkfacts.aspx
