Fishing Regulations
Massachusetts
Saltwater Fishing
Regulations listed below are subject to change during the 2018 season.
Species | Note | Min. Size | Open Periods | Possession Limits |
American Eel | (1) | 9″ | All Year | 25 fish |
American Shad | (2) | None | All Year | Closed with exceptions |
Black Sea Bass | (3,7) | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | ||
Blue Marlin | Federal rules apply. Consult NOAA Fisheries. | |||
Bluefish | None | All Year | 10 fish | |
Cod (North of Cape Cod) | (4,5) | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | ||
Cod | (4,5) | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | ||
Dab (Plaice) | (4,5) | 14″ | All Year | None |
Fluke (Summer Flounder) | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | |||
Gray Sole (Witch) | (4,5) | 14″ | All Year | None |
Haddock (North of Cape Cod) | (4,5) | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | ||
Halibut | (4,5) | 41″ | All Year | 1 fish |
Monkfish | (4,5) | None | All Year | None |
Pollock | (4,5) | None | All Year | None |
Redfish | (4,5) | None | All Year | None |
River Herring | Harvest, possession, sale and use are prohibited. | |||
Sailfish | Federal rules apply. Consult NOAA Fisheries. | |||
Scup | (7) | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | ||
Sharks | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | |||
Smelt | None | June 16 – March 14 | 50 fish | |
Spiny Dogfish | None | All year | None | |
Striped Bass | (6) | 28″ | All year | 1 fish |
Tautog | See www.mass.gov/marinefisheries for current regulations. | |||
Tunas | Federal rules apply. Consult NOAA Fisheries. | |||
Weakfish | 16″ | All year | 1 fish | |
White Marlin | Federal rules apply. Consult NOAA Fisheries. | |||
White Perch | 8″ | All year | 25 fish | |
Windowpane Flounder | (4,5) | Prohibited | ||
Winter Flounder (North of Cape Cod) | (4,5) | 12″ | All year | 8 fish |
Winter Flounder (South & East of Cape Cod) | (4,5) | 12″ | March 1 – December 31 | 2 fish |
Wolffish | (4,5) | Prohibited | ||
Yellowtail Flounder | (4,5) | 13″ | All year | None |
Prohibitions
Snagging, snatching of anadromous fish: including shad, smelt, white perch, striped bass, trout, and salmon, but excluding alewives or blueback herring.
The taking of striped bass by any means other than hook-and-line.
To “high-grade” striped bass, i.e. the discard of dead, legal size striped bass.
To retain live striped bass in the water by attaching to a stringer or placing in a live well or holding car.
The taking of billfish using gear other than a rod and reel.
The taking of Atlantic salmon, sturgeon, all marine mammals, all sea turtles, and the diamond back terrapin from Massachusetts waters.
For anyone, except the owner, to handle, destroy, or molest any lobster or crab pot or other fishing gear, including any gear swept up on the shore, beaches or flats whether public or private, or to take fish there from.
To sell, barter, or exchange fish or shellfish without a commercial permit.
Notes:
1) Subject to regulation by the Division and the municipality. Please consult municipal regulations.
2) American shad is a catch and release fishery, except for on the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers where anglers may retain up to 3 fish per day.
3) Black sea bass are measured from the tip of the snout or jaw (mouth closed) to the farthest extremity of the tail, not including the tail filament.
4) Federal rules apply beyond state waters. Consult NOAA Fisheries for permitting requirements and regulations.
5) It is unlawful to fish with hook and line gear in the Winter Cod Conservation Closure from November 15 through January 31. It is unlawful to take cod from the Spring Cod Conservation Closure from April 16 through July 21.
6) Striped bass must be kept whole, meaning the head, tail, and body remain intact. Only evisceration is allowed. Permitted for-hire vessels may fillet striped bass for their customers.
7) Black sea bass and scup may be filleted but not skinned while at-sea. No more than two fillets per allowed fish may be possessed.