The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC) have taken action to liberalize the coastwide recreational harvest of black sea bass and bluefish in 2026. Accordingly, CT recreational fishing regulations for these species will change for 2026 (new regulations indicated by *):
CT black sea bass recreational regulations for 2026:
Minimum length: 15.5 inches*
Open season: May 16 – November 25*
Bag limit: 4 fish*
For paying passengers on Party / Charter vessels:
Minimum length: 15.5 inches*
Open season: May 16* – December 31
Bag limit: 4 fish* from May 16* – August 31
6 fish* from September 1 – December 31
CT bluefish recreational regulations:
Open season: year round
Length limit: none
Bag limit: 5 fish* including "snappers"
For paying passengers on Party / Charter vessels: 7 fish*
Recreational regulations for all other species remain the same as 2025. See the attached notice for more information.