Maryland state waters, out to 3 miles
Circle hooks required; fins must stay naturally attached.
MD DNR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Blacktip sharkLarger, black-tipped fins, no white spots. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Small (under 4 ft), white spots on gray back, long labial furrows at the mouth corners. More on the Atlantic sharpnose shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic sharpnose shark in other states19 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for Atlantic sharpnose shark in Maryland?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic sharpnose shark can you keep in Maryland?
1 per angler per day (in addition to the 1-shark aggregate).
When is Atlantic sharpnose shark season in Maryland?
Open year-round.
How current is this Maryland Atlantic sharpnose shark rule?
Source: MD DNR 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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