Effective Date: May 31, 2018
We have approved the final 2018 minimum fish size, per-angler possession limits, and fishing season rules for the summer flounder (fluke), scup (porgies), and black sea bass recreational fisheries. Most states have already put their rules in place for the season.
Summer Flounder 2018 Recreational Measures
We are continuing “conservation equivalency” for the summer flounder fishery. This means we have waived the federal recreational bag limit, minimum fish size, and fishing season, and fishermen are subject to regulations in the state where they land. Please contact your state for information on summer flounder rules.
Black Sea Bass 2018 Recreational Measures
We are implementing the following recreational black sea bass measures in federal waters:
- 12.5-inch total length minimum fish size
- Possession limit of 15 fish per person per trip
- Open season from May 15-December 31 (please note: there is no longer a closure period from September 22-October 21).
Scup 2018 Recreational Measures
The scup recreational fishery measures are the same as 2017:
- 9-inch total length minimum size
- Possession limit of 50 fish per person per trip
- Open all year
Please keep in mind that if the federal minimum size, possession limit, and/or season differ from the regulations for the state in which you will landing, you must follow the more restrictive regulations.
If you have additional questions on the recreational management measures after reading this letter, please call the Greater Atlantic Region's Sustainable Fisheries Division at (978) 281-9315.
