Maine state waters, out to 3 miles
Reef shark is on the Chapter 50 coastal sharks list; take prohibited in Maine territorial waters.
ME DMR 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Blacktip sharkCrisp black fin tips, pointed snout. Tell them apart
Sandbar sharkMuch taller first dorsal. Tell them apart
Bull sharkBroader head, stockier still. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Bulky gray reef shark with a short blunt snout and dusky (not black-tipped) fin undersides — the default shark on Keys reefs. More on the Caribbean reef shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Caribbean reef shark in other states17 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Caribbean reef shark in Maine?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Maine. Release it in the water where you can. Reef shark is on the Chapter 50 coastal sharks list; take prohibited in Maine territorial waters.
How current is this Maine Caribbean reef shark rule?
Source: ME DMR 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 Caribbean reef shark in Maine and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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