Bag, possession, and size limits are key parts of fishing regulations designed to protect fish populations and promote sustainable fishing. Here’s what they mean and why they matter.
What is the meaning of bag limit?
A bag limit is the number of fish from a single species you're allowed to harvest in one day.
Types & exceptions:
- Combined (aggregated) bag limit: Applies across multiple species within a group.
- Gender-based limits: Some species may have separate limits for males and females.
- Waterway-specific: Limits can vary depending on the body of water or fishing method.
These exceptions are shown in the notes under the bag limit or in the additional information section if more complex.
🤔 Why bag limits exist:
- Conserve fish populations
- Promote fair access to resources
- Support ethical, responsible fishing
- Prevent illegal sales
- Protect vulnerable species
⚠️ Note: Some species—especially invasive or overly abundant ones—may have no bag limit.
What is a possession limit?
A possession limit is the total number of fish you're allowed to have in your possession at any time, including at home, in storage, or while transporting. It’s often (but not always) twice the daily bag limit.
🎯 Purpose: Helps prevent illegal fish trade and ensures recreational fishers don’t accumulate commercial quantities.
When to contact your local regulators?
While bag and possession limits are generally consistent, the definition of a “kept” fish can vary between states. For example, some states may consider a fish “kept” once it's placed in a cooler, while others may define it differently.
To avoid confusion and ensure you're staying within the law, it's always best to:
- Check your state’s official fishing regulation booklet, or
- Contact your local game and fish department for clarification
Minimum size limits
Size limits control the minimum (and sometimes maximum) size of fish that can be legally kept. These ensure that fish have a chance to spawn at least once before harvest and help maintain healthy fish populations.
Different species may use different measurement types:
- Total length (TL) – full length from snout to tail tip
- Fork length (FL) – snout to tail fork
- Lower jaw fork length (LJFL) – lower jaw to tail fork
⚠️ Note: Always check which measurement type applies to the species you're targeting. Not all species are measured the same way. Different fish species use different measurement types based on their body shape and how regulations are defined. Using the wrong measurement type can result in unintentional violations of fishing rules.
Why do some fish have a max size limit?
For some species, an upper size limit has been applied in addition to a minimum size limit to protect large, highly reproductive individuals that produce more eggs.