Can I Keep?Atlantic Mackerel Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational atlantic mackerel rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
None
Bag limit
20 fish per person
Season
All year
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Atlantic Mackerel rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Federal waters (EEZ) (ocean)
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- 20 fish per person
- Season
- All year
- Federal (EEZ) regulation published by NOAA Fisheries GARFO; Massachusetts state-waters rules may differ.
- Recreational allocation set in the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Management Plan.
Quick answers
What is the atlantic mackerel size limit in Massachusetts?
None.
How many atlantic mackerel can I keep in Massachusetts?
20 fish per person.
When is atlantic mackerel season in Massachusetts?
All year. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Atlantic Mackerel limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in Massachusetts
- Atlantic angel shark
- Atlantic bonito & false albacore
- Atlantic Herring
- 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.