The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council has finalized recreational management measures for the 2026 and 2027 black sea bass seasons, authorizing a coastwide harvest liberalization of up to 20%. If you’re a bottom fisherman, that’s a good thing for 2026 and should amount to an increased need for butter, lemon and breadcrumbs in 2026.
Under the approved 2026 framework, the Northern Region (MA, RI, CT, and NY) is granted a liberalization not to exceed 27%, while the Southern Region (DE, MD, VA, and NC) is allocated a 16.5% increase. New Jersey has been assigned the remaining liberalization balance, (New Jersey’s “remainder” [approx. 13-14%] is based on the ‘Recreational Demand Model’ and had not been officially decided at press time).
Regional Highlights for 2026:
- Rhode Island: Private and shore anglers will see a 16-inch minimum size with a three-fish limit from May 16 through December 31. Anglers on For-Hire boats will transition from a four-fish limit (May 16 to August 31) to a six-fish limit starting September 1 that runs through the end of the year.
- Connecticut: Shore and private boaters will benefit from a 15.5-inch minimum size, with a four-fish limit (May 16 to November 25). The for-hire fleet will fish under the same regs until September 1 when they’ll see a bag limit increase to six fish, through December 31.
- Massachusetts: Both for-hire and recreational fishermen will fish under the same rules; a 16-inch minimum size, with a four fish bag limit from May 16 to August 31 and a two fish limit from September 1 to October 14.
- New York: All modes will fish under the same split regulations: a 16-inch minimum size, with a four-fish limit from May 16 to August 31, as of September 1 they’ll enjoy a bag limit increase to six fish, through December 31.
Following a specialized email vote to include an additional combination of regional options, northern states will now move to publicize these measures.
The rules vary by state because the ASMFC employs a “regional conservation equivalency” framework. This system divides the coast into three management zones: the Northern Region (MA–NY), New Jersey, and the Southern Region (DE–NC). Each zone is allocated a specific portion of the total allowable harvest increase and is responsible for tailoring its own seasons, size limits, and bag limits to meet those targets. This regional approach allows fisheries managers to justify local differences in fish availability, angler effort, and regional economic needs while ensuring the coastwide population remains sustainable.
For further technical details regarding the Recreation Demand Model (RDM) or specific state regulations, please contact Tracey Bauer at tbauer@asmfc.org.
