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Massachusetts fishing regulations

Curated references from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected Massachusetts saltwater reference subset is not a complete rulebook.

OPEN NOWALL SPECIESAUG 2026
SOURCEMassachusetts DMF source table ↗UPDATED APRIL 28, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 10, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCChecked Aug 10, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCRules vary by location, method, vessel, and emergency closure.The DMF page is an unofficial summary; 322 CMR is the official code.
SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING
Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore16-inch curved fork length; applies only to fish caught and possessed in state waters.Listed open5 fish combined.16"OPEN
Atlantic CodWestern Gulf of Maine state waters; conservation closures and federal-water exceptions apply. · Listed season windows: Sep 1, 2026 through Oct 31, 2026 · 1 fish listedListed closed——CLOSED
Atlantic HalibutGroundfish state-water rule; federal-water exceptions apply.Listed open1 fish.41"OPEN
Atlantic MackerelPrivate anglers only; daily per-angler harvest and possession limit while fishing, with storage exceptions described by DMF.Listed open25 fish.—OPEN
Black Sea BassApplies to recreational anglers; at-sea filleting/skinning restrictions apply. · Listed season windows: May 16, 2026 through Aug 31, 2026 · 4 fish listed · Sep 1, 2026 through Oct 14, 2026 · 2 fish listedListed open4 fish May 16-August 31; 2 fish September 1-October 14.16"OPEN
BluefishPrivate-vessel and shore anglers only; for-hire vessels have a different limit.Listed open5 fish.—OPEN
HaddockGulf of Maine state waters; federal-water exceptions apply. · Listed season windows: Apr 1, 2026 through Feb 28, 2027 · 15 fish listedListed open15 fish during the listed annual window.17"OPEN
Ocean PoutRetention, possession, and landing are prohibited; release catch.Listed closed——CLOSED
PollockGroundfish state-water rule; federal-water exceptions apply.Listed openNo possession limit listed.—OPEN
River HerringRetention, possession, and landing are prohibited; release catch.Listed closed——CLOSED
ScupPrivate vessels only; for-hire and shore rules differ. · Listed season windows: May 1, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 30 fish listedListed open30 fish; a private vessel with five or more anglers has a 150-fish vessel maximum.11"OPEN
Striped Bass28 inches to less than 31 inches; source also carries gear, measurement, and handling requirements.Listed open1 fish.28"OPEN
Summer FlounderVessel-based recreational fishing; shore-based rules use a different minimum size. · Listed season windows: May 24, 2026 through Sep 23, 2026 · 5 fish listedListed open5 fish.17.5"OPEN
TautogPrivate anglers; the most restrictive per-angler or vessel limit applies. · Listed season windows: Apr 1, 2026 through May 31, 2026 · 3 fish listed · Jun 1, 2026 through Jul 31, 2026 · 1 fish listed · Aug 1, 2026 through Oct 14, 2026 · 3 fish listed · Oct 15, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 5 fish listedListed open3/1/3/5 fish by the listed windows; one fish per person per day may exceed 21 inches and the vessel aggregate may not exceed 10 fish.16"OPEN
WeakfishMassachusetts DMF recreational finfish table; 322 CMR is the official code.Listed open1 fish.16"OPEN
Windowpane FlounderRetention, possession, and landing are prohibited; release catch.Listed closed——CLOSED
Winter FlounderGulf of Maine only (north of Cape Cod).Listed open8 fish.12"OPEN
WolffishRetention, possession, and landing are prohibited; release catch.Listed closed——CLOSED

Reference only, not permission to fish or retain a catch. Verify the current official regulations before you go.