Maryland state waters, out to 3 miles
Maryland's generic grouper row notwithstanding, harvest is prohibited under federal Atlantic rules coastwide — release immediately.
MD DNR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Enormous rounded tan-brown grouper with small eyes and faint bars; can top 500 lb. More on the goliath grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Goliath grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep goliath grouper in Maryland?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Maryland. Release it in the water where you can. Maryland's generic grouper row notwithstanding, harvest is prohibited under federal Atlantic rules coastwide — release immediately.
How current is this Maryland goliath grouper 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.
In the appPoint the camera at a goliath grouper in Maryland and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app