Can I Keep?Atlantic bonito & false albacore Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational atlantic bonito & false albacore rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Min: 16"
Bag limit
5 fish both species combined
Season
Year Round
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Atlantic bonito & false albacore rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Min: 16"
- Bag limit
- 5 fish both species combined
- Season
- Year Round
- Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore: New this year, DMF has adopted a 16" minimum size for both species and a 5-fish limit of both species combined. The 16" size limit is measured by curve fork length, which follows a line tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the upper jaw to the fork in the tail. These limits apply only to fish caught and possessed in state waters.
- For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 16 in.
- Bag limit
- 5-fish combined both species
- Season
- 1/1 - 12/31 (Sun - Sat)
- Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore: There is a 16" minimum size for both species and a 5-fish limit for both species combined. The 16" size limit is measured by curve fork length, which follows a line tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the upper jaw to the fork in the tail. These limits apply only to fish caught and possessed in state waters. Incidental catch in fish weirs and commercial mechanized mackerel jigging operations are exempt from catch limit.
- Open days: Sun - Sat
- DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.
Quick answers
What is the atlantic bonito & false albacore size limit in Massachusetts?
Min: 16".
How many atlantic bonito & false albacore can I keep in Massachusetts?
5 fish both species combined.
When is atlantic bonito & false albacore season in Massachusetts?
Year Round. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More offshore & pelagic in Massachusetts
- Atlantic angel shark
- Atlantic Herring
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Atlantic sharpnose shark
- Basking shark
- Bigeye sand tiger shark
- Bigeye sixgill shark
- Bigeye thresher shark
- Bignose shark
- Blacknose shark
- Bluefish
- Bluntnose sixgill shark
- Bonnethead shark
- Butterfish
- Caribbean reef shark
- Caribbean sharpnose shark
- Dusky shark
- Finetooth shark
All Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.