Smooth and Spiny Dogfish Regulations in Connecticut (2026)

Where

Statewide

Bag limit

Spiny dogfish: 7,500lb (By fisherman agreement first dorsal fin must remain attached to the carcass as required by ASMFC FMP)

Possession

26-159a-19. Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthius): is superseded by the following specifications. (a) Commercial Fishery Possession Limits (1) No person engaged in commercial fishing shall possess or land spiny dogfish in excess of the following possession limits that are based on the northern region spiny dogfish quota as specified in the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission: (A) between May 1 and October 31, both dates inclusive, the possession limit shall be 7,500 pounds, except as provided in subparagraph (C) of this subdivision; (B) between November 1 and April 30, both dates inclusive, the possession limit shall be 7,500 pounds, except as provided in subparagraph (C) of this subdivision. (C) when 100% of the northern region quota is landed the possession limit shall be zero pounds. (2) The possession and landing limits specified in subdivision (1) of this subsection shall apply to the vessel, regardless of how many persons are on board. Possession limits shall apply per trip or per day, whichever is the longer period of time. No person shall transfer spiny dogfish between vessels at sea. In any instance when there is a violation

• Applies to spiny dogfish.

Official source

Where

Statewide

Bag limit

Smooth dogfish: 500lb (By fisherman agreement first dorsal fin must remain attached to the carcass as required by ASMFC FMP. See page 8 for quota status)

• Applies to smooth dogfish.

Official source