Maryland state waters, out to 3 miles
MD Atlantic table lists 'grouper species' without enumerating; retention prohibited in Atlantic federal waters.
MD DNR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Red hindRed spots on pale body — the inverse pattern. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Chocolate body absolutely covered in tiny white speckles. More on the speckled hind page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Speckled hind in other states11 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for speckled hind in Maryland?
No size limit.
How many speckled hind can you keep in Maryland?
1 (all groupers combined). Counts toward the Grouper species (1 combined) aggregate.
When is speckled hind season in Maryland?
Open year-round.
How current is this Maryland speckled hind 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 speckled hind in Maryland and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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