The 2026-27 recreational fishing season for black sea bass in federal waters south of Cape Hatteras opens next month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries announced Thursday.
The season will open at 12:01 a.m. on April 1 and tentatively remain open through March 31, 2027.
Supporter Spotlight
The season is being opened for the entire 2026-27 recreational fishing year because recreational landings are estimated to be below the seasonal catch limit, according to a NOAA Fisheries announcement.
“NOAA Fisheries projects that recreational landings will not exceed the 2026-2027 recreational catch limit of 366,510 pounds whole weight based on recent landings data,” according to the announcement.
The closing date for recreational black sea bass fishing remains tentative pending the implementation of Regulatory Amendment 37 to the fishery management plan for the South Atlantic Region’s snapper-grouper fishery.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has approved that amendment for review and implementation by NOAA Fisheries.
“If implemented, the regulatory amendment would establish an annual catch target for the recreational sector of 63,143 pounds whole weight,” according to the announcement. “NOAA Fisheries would project the length of recreational fishing seasons based on this annual catch target. It is currently unknown whether the timing for Regulatory Amendment 37 could affect the 2026-2027 fishing year for black sea bass.”
Supporter Spotlight
If the regulatory amendment is adopted, the National Marine Fisheries Service will inform the public about its impacts to the length of the recreational season for black sea bass.
