Mississippi state waters, out to 3 miles
MS DMR's list still shows oceanic whitetip as a pelagic shark, while federal HMS rules prohibit it everywhere; treat it as prohibited and release.
MS DMR 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Silky sharkNarrow pointed fins, no white tips. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Huge rounded pectoral and first dorsal fins with mottled white tips; stocky, blue-water shark that comes to the boat. More on the oceanic whitetip shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Oceanic whitetip shark in other states19 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for oceanic whitetip shark in Mississippi?
No take.
How many oceanic whitetip shark can you keep in Mississippi?
See note. Counts toward the Prohibited sharks aggregate.
When is oceanic whitetip shark season in Mississippi?
Closed year-round.
How current is this Mississippi oceanic whitetip shark rule?
Source: MS 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.
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