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
Five dark bars, tuning-fork mark on the forehead, dark saddle on the tail base. More on the Nassau grouper page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Nassau grouper in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Nassau 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 Nassau 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.
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