Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Regulations [2023]: Top 39 Game Fish

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Ready to cast your line in Massachusetts’ saltwater? That’s where our Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Regulations Guide comes in! It covers everything you need to know about fishing seasons, size limits, possession limits for various game fish, and the required Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing License. So, grab your gear and get ready to fish responsibly!

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the size and possession limits for Massachusetts’ top game fish:

• Black Sea Bass: Minimum size limit of 16.5 inches, bag and possession limit of 4 fish from May 20 to September 7, and only 2 fillets per allowed fish may be possessed.
• Bluefish: No minimum size limit, bag and possession limit of 3 fish for shore and private anglers and 5 fish for for-hire anglers.
• Cod (Gulf of Maine): Minimum size limit of 22 inches from January 1 to April 14, 1 fish from April 15 to April 30, and 1 fish from November 1 to December 31.
• Haddock (Gulf of Maine): Minimum size limit of 17 inches, bag and possession limit of 20 fish from January 1 to February 28, 20 fish from April 1 to April 30, and 15 fish from May 1 to February 28.
• Striped Bass: Size limit of 28 inches to less than 35 inches, bag and possession limit of 1 fish per year-round. It is against the law for anglers to discard dead legal-sized striped bass, which must be kept whole. Permitted for-hire vessels may fillet striped bass for their customers.
• Tautog: Minimum size limit of 16 inches, and only one fish may exceed 21 inches. Bag and possession limit of 3 fish from April 1 to May 31, 1 from June 1 to July 31, 3 from August 1 to October 14, and 5 from October 15 to December 31.
• Yellowtail Flounder: Minimum size limit of 13 inches with no bag and possession limit.

Additionally, federal rules regulate some fish species beyond state waters, while others are subject to state and municipality regulations. Consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.

Massachusetts Saltwater Fish Limit Definitions

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Natural Resources implements size limits for saltwater fishing to ensure that recreational anglers achieve optimal yields.

The Mass saltwater fishing regulations set bag limits based on species and impose size restrictions in certain situations. Anglers must adhere to these regulations, which the department enforces and regulates. Fishing and conservation violations can result in fines for anglers who fail to comply.

• Bag limit – The maximum number of fish a person may catch in one day or per period. The department limits to per person, per day, and on rare occasions, it includes a daily vessel limit.
• Minimum size limit – To harvest fish, saltwater fishing regulations mandate that they must meet a minimum size requirement
• Slot limit – Slot limits, on the other hand, allow anglers to take only fish within a specific size range with both a maximum and minimum size limit, promoting the development of young fish while protecting larger spawning fish.
• Season – Times of year open or closed to saltwater fishing for a certain species. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that a closed season protects fish from harvest during sensitive times of the year, such as spawning periods or heavy fishing.

Massachusetts Saltwater Fish Limits: Handy Quick Chart

It is essential for anglers to be aware of the size limitations for saltwater fish in Massachusetts to avoid hefty fines and suspension of their fishing privileges. A brief chart outlining the size limits for various popular saltwater fish species in Massachusetts is provided below:

All Prohibited Fish Species

We have the list of prohibited species conveniently listed here for you. Violating the strict prohibition against harvesting and possessing sharks caught of these species can result in associated fines.

• Atlantic angel, Basking, Bigeye sand tiger, Bigeye sixgill, Bigeye thresher, Bignose, Bluntnose sixgill, Caribbean reef, Caribbean sharp nose, Dusky, Galapagos, Longfin mako, Narrowtooth, Night, Sandbar, Sand tiger, Sharpnose seven gill, Silky, Smalltail, White, Whale.
• Daily Bag: 0, catch and release only; harvest prohibited.

Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Size Limits

Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations have set size limits for various saltwater fish species to protect and maintain healthy fish populations. For additional information, check the official Massachusetts recreational fishing site.

How to Measure Fish According to Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Size Limits

When you’re fishing in Massachusetts Atlantic waters, it’s important to know how to measure your catch properly. To determine the minimum size of the fish total length, you need to measure the greatest straight line length from the front tip of the jaw or snout (with the mouth closed) to the farthest point of the tail.

Hold the fish firmly with both hands while measuring, making sure the head touches the zero mark on rulers and tapes at the same time as the tail.

For black sea bass, don’t include the tail filament (tendril) in the total length measurement if it’s present.

When measuring billfish like swordfish, sailfish, or marlin, start from the tip of the lower jaw and measure to the tail fork.

Sharks are measured using the fork length method, which is a straight line from the midpoint of the fish’s anterior edge to the fork of the caudal fin, without following the body’s curve.

Striped bass should be measured in total length, which means measuring the greatest straight line from the front tip of the jaw or snout to the farthest point of the tail with the tail forks squeezed together.

When measuring tunas, trace a line along the body’s contour from the tip of the upper jaw to the tail fork, also called the curved fork length. This line should cross the dorsal insertion of the pectoral fin and the dorsal side of the caudal keel.

Fork Length vs. Total Length

When it comes to measuring fish, there are two methods: fork length and total length. These methods differ in terms of what parts of the fish they include in the measurement.

Fork length is measured from the tip of the fish’s snout to the center point of the tail’s fork. This method is typically used for fish with forked tails, such as tuna or swordfish.

On the other hand, total length is measured from the tip of the snout to the very end of the tail. This method is commonly used for fish with round or square tails, like red snapper or grouper.

The key distinction between fork length and total length is that fork length only measures a portion of the fish’s tail, while total length includes the entire length from snout to tail end. By using the appropriate method for each type of fish, you can ensure accurate measurements that comply with regulations.

What to Do with Fish That Don’t Meet Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Size Limits

When you come across a fish that doesn’t meet the Massachusetts saltwater fishing size limits, it’s best to release it right away, ensuring it’s unharmed as you gently return it to the water. Taking care in how you handle the fish is crucial, as it helps improve its chances of survival.

Minimize the time the fish spends out of the water, as this can make a big difference. It’s also a good idea to avoid catching and releasing the same fish multiple times. Doing so can cause the fish unnecessary stress, which can reduce its chances of staying healthy.

By being mindful of these practices, you can contribute to the well-being of the fish population and the overall sustainability of your fishing trips.

Possession Limits for Saltwater Fish

When you’re out saltwater fishing in Massachusetts, it’s crucial to know the size limits for the fish you catch. If a fish doesn’t meet the size requirements, it’s best to release it back into the water right away, making sure it’s unharmed.

When handling the fish, be gentle and take care to minimize the time it spends out of the water. This helps increase its chances of survival. It’s also a good idea to avoid catching and releasing the same fish multiple times. Doing so can stress the fish out and reduce its likelihood of surviving.

By handling the fish with care and following these guidelines, you contribute to the conservation efforts and help maintain healthy fish populations for future trips.

Massachusetts’ Shell Diameter Limits for Sustainable Harvesting

Shell diameter limits are set by states to regulate the harvest of certain species, such as green crabs and blue crabs. In Massachusetts, there are daily limits on the harvest of these species based on their shell diameter.

Harvesting Green Crabs

Green crabs are an invasive species that have become a problem in many coastal areas, including Massachusetts. These crabs damage eelgrass beds and compete with native species for resources. To help control the green crab population, Massachusetts has implemented a shell diameter limit on their harvest.

In Massachusetts, green crabs with a shell diameter of fewer than 2.5 inches can be harvested without limit. However, green crabs with a shell diameter greater than 2.5 inches have a daily limit of 25 crabs per person. It’s important to note that these limits may change based on the location and time of year.

Harvesting Blue Crabs

Blue crabs are a popular species for recreational fishing in Massachusetts. These crabs can be found in saltwater bays and estuaries and are known for their sweet and delicate meat. To ensure the sustainability of blue crab populations, Massachusetts has implemented a shell diameter limit on their harvest.

In Massachusetts, blue crabs with a shell diameter of fewer than 5 inches can be harvested without limit. However, blue crabs with a shell diameter greater than 5 inches have a daily limit of 25 crabs per person. Like green crabs, these limits may vary depending on the fishing area and season.

It’s important to note that besides the shell diameter limit, there may be other regulations on the harvest of these species, such as gear restrictions or possession limits. Anglers should always check the Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Regulations before harvesting green or blue crabs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Conservation Closures

In the Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations, there are rules to protect fish populations and ensure their survival. Two types of rules are conservation closures and restrictions on harvesting river herring.

Winter and spring are important times for cod fish to reproduce and migrate, so recreational anglers are not allowed to catch them in Massachusetts state waters during these times. This helps protect the cod population.

Restrictions on Harvesting River Herring

River herring are important for the health of Massachusetts’ ecosystems, so there are rules to protect them. No one can fish for, catch, or possess river herring in any state waters.

However, there is an exception for commercial fishermen who have a permit. They may catch a limited number of river herrings daily for bait only. It’s important to know that if someone catches river herring for bait, they can only keep them in a bait container and not use them for anything else.

Winter and Spring Cod Conservation Closures

Winter Cod Conservation Closure:

• November 15th to December 31st
• January 1st to April 14th

During this time, recreational anglers are not permitted to harvest cod in Massachusetts state waters to protect cod populations during their spawning and migration periods.

Spring Cod Conservation Closure:

• September 15th to September 30th

During this time, the recreational harvest of cod is prohibited to protect the species during their migration to spawning areas.

Trophy Fish and Prohibited Species

Certain limitations and prohibitions are in place to help maintain healthy populations of fish species. These regulations ensure that larger fish are not overharvested and prohibited species are not caught.

Limitations on Trophy Fish

In some cases, larger fish may be considered trophy fish and have special regulations in place. If a fish is caught that exceeds the size limit, it is important to follow regulations on whether the fish can be harvested or must be released back into the water.

Prohibited Species

Certain species of fish are prohibited from being harvested in Massachusetts waters. This includes blue crabs and other prohibited species. It is important for anglers to know which species are prohibited and to avoid harvesting them.

Consult NOAA Fisheries

In addition to state regulations, it is important to consult NOAA Fisheries for additional restrictions and regulations on fishing in Massachusetts waters. This can help ensure that anglers are aware of all regulations and can avoid costly fines for non-compliance.

Bait Restrictions

To protect fish populations, fishermen must follow certain rules regarding the types of bait and lures they use. Here are the different types of restrictions:

• Cutting natural bait is not allowed in certain areas.
• Natural bait must be attached to the hook when fishing.

Gear Restrictions

Fishermen must also follow certain rules when it comes to their fishing gear. These rules help to protect fish populations. Here are the different types of restrictions:

• Fishermen must use hook and line gear.
• Circle hooks are required for certain fish species.
• Artificial lures are allowed in all areas.

It’s important for fishermen to follow these restrictions to ensure the sustainability of fish populations. Not following these rules can result in fines and other penalties.

Miscellaneous Regulations

In addition to size limits for fish, there are also other regulations to protect certain species in Massachusetts waters. These are some of the miscellaneous regulations:

Restrictions on Filleting Striped Bass

• It is illegal to fillet striped bass on a vessel before returning to shore.

The body of Certain Species Must Remain Intact

• Some species must be kept intact when caught and cannot be filleted.
• Only one fish can be kept per day.

Harvesting Green Crabs Encouraged

• Massachusetts encourages the harvesting of green crabs to help control their population.

Limitations on Trip Limits for Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

• There are limits on the number of Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks that can be caught per trip.
• Additional permitting requirements may apply.

Consult Municipal Regulations for Additional Restrictions

• It’s important to consult municipal regulations for additional restrictions beyond state regulations.
• Town regulations may exist for oysters, surfing, quahogs, and other activities.
• There may be different limits north of Cape Cod or east of Cape Cod.
• The most restrictive limit applies, whether from state or town regulations.

In summary, several miscellaneous regulations are in place to protect certain species and ensure their sustainability in Massachusetts waters. These include restrictions on filleting striped bass, keeping certain species intact, limitations on trip limits for Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, and town-specific regulations for oysters, surfing, quahogs, and other activities. It’s important to check state and municipal regulations before engaging in these activities to avoid fines and help maintain healthy populations of these species in the water.

Saltwater Fishing License

• You need a recreational Massachusetts saltwater fishing license to fish in saltwater areas for fun.
• This license is good for one year and can be bought online or in person.
• The money from the license helps pay for things like fishing piers and artificial reefs.

Freshwater Fishing License

• If you want to fish in freshwater areas in Massachusetts, you need a separate license.
• This license makes sure that you follow the rules for fishing in lakes, ponds, and rivers.

Charter Boats and Permitted-For-Hire Vessels

• If you’re going on a charter boat or permitted-for-hire vessel, the operator needs a special permit to take you fishing in saltwater areas.
• The permit is good for one year, and the operator has to keep track of what fish are caught and report it to the state.

It’s important to remember that commercial fishing rules and restrictions exist in Massachusetts. These rules are there to make sure fish populations stay healthy, and fishing stays sustainable.

Conclusion

Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations require a good understanding of the regulations and restrictions, including size and bag limits, conservation closures, possession limits, and licensing requirements.

• Size and bag limits are in place for different types of fish
• Conservation closures occur during certain times to protect fish populations
• Possession limits are in place for saltwater fish
• Regulations exist around harvesting green crabs and blue crabs
• Restrictions are in place around trophy fish, prohibited species, and river herring harvesting
• Licenses and tags are required to fish in Massachusetts, including recreational saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing licenses.
• Charter boats and permitted-for-hire vessels also require a state-issued permit to operate in saltwater areas.
• Consultation of NOAA Fisheries and municipal regulations is advised for additional guidance.