Atlantic Halibut 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
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
speciesBASICThe largest flatfish in the world, a threatened species owing to slow growth and overfishing. Strong swimmers able to migrate long distances.
HABITAT
Sand, gravel, or clay bottoms at 50–2,000 m (200–6,600 ft) in the northern Atlantic.
SIZE
up to 4.7 m (15 ft) and 320 kg (710 lb)
TEXT CONDENSED FROM WIKIPEDIA, AVAILABLE UNDER CC BY-SA 4.0
Atlantic Halibut identification is educational; species identification does not establish legal applicability for Massachusetts.
- LAST LISTED/REFERENCE LIMITS
- 1 fish. · minimum 41 inches
- APPLICABILITY
- Groundfish state-water rule; federal-water exceptions apply.
- SOURCE AUTHORITY
- Massachusetts DMF recreational finfish table and groundfish notes; 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.