Black Drum Size Limits By State
Size limits vary by state, so be sure to check the regulations before you go fishing. In general, Black Drum must be between 14 and 24 inches long to be legal. However, some states have no maximum length limit. There are also limits on the number of fish that you can keep, so make sure to check your state’s regulations in this article for more information.
The following is a list of black drum size restrictions for 12 coastal recreational saltwater states and the surrounding waters. The state fishing limits material is for personal use only and does not apply to commercial or guided fishing.
This article will cover:
- List of black drum bag and size limits
- Harvest limitations
- Oversize and trophy fish allowances
- Release citation size (where permitted)
- Prohibited fishing gear
- Season status
Alabama State Waters
- Daily Bag Limit: No limit
- Minimum Length: No limit
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Delaware State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 3
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Florida, Atlantic State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: 24 inches
- Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: 1 fish over 24 inches allowed
- Harvest Limitations: Keep whole; Rod & reel, cast nets, gigging, spearing allowed;
snagging, multiple hooks; state waters only - Vessel Limit: 4, zero bag for captain
Florida, Gulf Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: 24 inches
- Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: 1 fish over 24 inches allowed
- Harvest Limitations: Keep whole; Rod & reel, cast nets, gigging, spearing allowed;
snagging, multiple hooks; state waters only - Vessel Limit: 4, zero bag for captain
Georgia State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 15
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Louisiana State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: 27 inches
- Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: 1 over 27 inches within daily bag
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Maryland State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 1
- Daily Boat Limit: 6
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: None
Mississippi State Waters
- Daily Bag Limit: No limit
- Minimum Length: No limit
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
New Jersey State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 3
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: None
North Carolina State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 10
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: 25 inches
- Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: 1 over 25 inches within daily bag
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
South Carolina State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: 27 inches
- Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: Not Allowed
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Texas State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: 30 inches
- Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: 1 over 52 inches within daily bag
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
- Limit valid Sep. 1, 2022 through Aug. 31, 2023
Virginia State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 1
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Release Citation Size: 46 inches
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Looking For Redfish Size Limits?
If you’re a redfish enthusiast, you might be wondering about redfish size limits. After all, you want to make sure you’re staying within the law when you’re out fishing. The good news is that redfish size limits vary by state, so you can check the regulations in the state where you’re fishing here.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different regulations when it comes to fishing in state waters. Make sure you know the size limits and other restrictions for the fish you’re targeting before heading out on your next fishing trip. If you want to learn more about black drum or any other species of fish, check out our comprehensive guides on each one. Good luck on the water!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the black drum limits in Texas? The Texas black drum limit is 5 fish each day, and they must be between 14 and 30 inches in size. You can keep one fish over 52 inches.
- What are the Florida black drum size limits? In Florida, you are allowed to catch 3 black drum on the Atlantic side and 5 on the Gulf side each day. The fish must be between 14 and 24 inches in size. You are allowed to keep 1 oversized fish.
- What are the black drum limits in Louisiana? The Louisiana black drum limit is 5 per day. The black drum must be between 16 and 27 inches in size. You are allowed to keep 1 oversized fish.
- What are the Mississippi black drum limits? In Mississippi, there is no limit on the number of black drum you can catch in a day.
- What are the Georgia black drum limits? In Georgia, you are allowed to keep 5 black drum per day that are at least 15 inches or more long.
- What are the North Carolina black drum limits? In North Carolina, you are allowed to catch and keep 10 black drum per day that measures 25 inches long or more.
- What are the Alabama black drum limits? In Alabama, there is no limit on the number of black drum you can catch in a day.
