Welcome to 2025 Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing

Massachusetts saltwater fishing provides fishing opportunities like no other state in the northeast. Colder-water species north of Cape Cod and the warmer-water species that visit our southern shores create incredible diversity and opportunity.

The warm water suite of species such as black sea bass, tautog, scup, bonito, and false albacore have become more abundant in our local waters and more available to our anglers – a trend that is likely linked to warmer summer-time temperatures. For example, the catch of bonito and false albacore, two species in the tuna family, have spiked in 2024 to record levels. These fish, known as “hard-tails”, provide incredible “fights” and have become the mainstay of many recreational anglers along our south coast and islands.

DMF’s biologists work collaboratively with other partners along the east coast to ensure fish populations are sustained for the future. Across many species, the hottest topic is “release mortality”: taking care of the fish you release to ensure its survival. DMF has invested lots of resources to address the factors that contribute to catch and release survival. Our team has done some amazing research on cusk, haddock, and cod over the years but now the most critical species is the revered striped bass.

After the recovery of the 1990’s through 2010, striped bass are struggling. Six consecutive years of poor spawning success in the Chesapeake Bay will result in a smaller coastal population as the abundant older age classes are captured. Despite this decline, fishing for older bass in Massachusetts remains good; so good that scientists estimate that nearly as many adult striped bass are currently killed by catch-and release fishing as are harvested and taken home.

DMF has dedicated thousands of hours catching and releasing striped bass and determining their rates of survival. We have also enlisted the help of hundreds of citizen scientists to collect data on their fishing activities. This information helps us zero in the causes of release mortality. Having close working relationships with all these anglers has given the DMF team a clear view of how to improve fishing practices.

We are proud of our new videos being shared with anglers all along the east coast that teach anglers best management practices to maximize survival of released fish while sharing great tactics to improve your fishing. Please watch them to learn more and become better anglers and stewards of our resource. With striped bass stocks in decline, the pressure is on all of us to take special care of these fish. Inside this guide you will find more information about DMF’s efforts and research, including what you can do to help the fish you catch swim away to be caught again.

To all our visiting anglers, please consider the services of our for-hire fleet. These party and charter boat captains are some of the most knowledgeable professionals regarding where and when fish are available. Massachusetts has world class fishing, and they can get you on the water and to fishing hotspots to maximize your success better than anyone.

In 2025, we wish you calm seas, tight lines, and great days on the water with friends and family. Cheers!

Daniel J. McKiernan
Director