2023 Maryland Chesapeake Bay Fishing Season
The 2023 Maryland striped bass (Rockfish) season kicks off on Monday May 1st with BIG trophy fish averaging 10-40lbs. During trophy season (May 1 - May 15) Rockfish have to be 35" or over and each person can keep (1) one rockfish. After May 16th the rockfish size and limit will change to 19" to 31" and each person can keep (2) two rockfish. Rockfish Season is closed July 16, 2023 - July 31, 2023. We look forward to a great 2023 fishing season in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay.
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Fish marked in RED have the best chance of being caught.
| Dates | Types of Fish | Rods/Reels & Bait |
|---|---|---|
| February | Rockfish Catch and Release ONLY | No extra charge |
| March | Rockfish Catch and Release ONLY Blue Catfish 10lbs - 50+lbs |
No extra charge |
| April | Rockfish Catch and Release ONLY Blue Catfish 10lbs - 50+lbs |
No extra charge |
| May | Trophy Rockfish 10lbs - 40lbs Blue Catfish 10lbs - 50+lbs |
No extra charge |
| June July |
Rockfish Blue Catfish 5lbs - 20+lbs Bluefish Croaker Spot Perch |
No extra charge |
| August September |
Rockfish Blue Catfish 5lbs - 20+lbs Bluefish Spanish Mackerel Croaker Spot Perch |
No extra charge |
| October November December |
Bigger Rockfish | No extra charge |