Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore regulations
Massachusetts · Curated reference from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected Massachusetts saltwater reference subset is not a complete rulebook.
SPECIES LINKS
FIELD GUIDE
Sarda sarda
speciesBASICA large mackerel-like fish of the family Scombridae, common in shallow waters of the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Black Sea. Travels in large schools; known as "skipjack" near New York for its habit of jumping.
HABITAT
Shallow Atlantic waters, common offshore near New York; Mediterranean and Black Sea.
SIZE
up to 75 cm (30 in), 5–6 kg (11–13 lb)
TEXT CONDENSED FROM WIKIPEDIA, AVAILABLE UNDER CC BY-SA 4.0
Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore identification is educational; species identification does not establish legal applicability for Massachusetts.
- LAST LISTED/REFERENCE LIMITS
- 5 fish combined. · minimum 16 inches
- APPLICABILITY
- 16-inch curved fork length; applies only to fish caught and possessed in state waters.
- SOURCE AUTHORITY
- Massachusetts DMF recreational finfish table; 322 CMR is the official code.
UPDATED April 28, 2026 · CHECKED Aug 10, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · EFFECTIVE YEAR 2026
Massachusetts DMF source table ↗The DMF page is an unofficial summary; 322 CMR is the official code.
LAUNCH SITES
Curated launch sites in Massachusetts (5)
Gulf of Maine · MARINA
Gulf of Maine · DOCK
Gulf of Maine · MARINA
Gulf of Maine · MARINA
Gulf of Maine · MARINA
This reference does not grant permission to fish or retain a catch. Location, method, vessel, species identification, and emergency closures can change what applies. Verify the applicable official rules.