The recreational black sea bass fishing season is set to open May 15 in both federal and state waters north of Cape Hatteras.
During the open season, the minimum size limit will be 12.5 inches total length, from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail, and the bag limit will be 15 fish per person, per day. The season will close on Dec. 31, Division of Marine Fisheries officials said.
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The recreational black sea bass regulations north of Cape Hatteras comply with the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.
The recreational black sea bass fishery south of Cape Hatteras is managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. South of Cape Hatteras, the minimum size limit is 13 inches total length, and the bag limit is seven fish per person, per day. This year’s recreational black sea bass season began April 1 and closes when the quota is met.
