Can I Keep?Black Sea Bass Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational black sea bass rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Min: 16"
Bag limit
4 fish (May 16 - Aug 31); 2 fish (Sept 1 - Oct 14)
Season
May 16 - Aug 31; Sept 1 - Oct 14
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Black Sea Bass rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Min: 16"
- Bag limit
- 4 fish (May 16 - Aug 31); 2 fish (Sept 1 - Oct 14)
- Season
- May 16 - Aug 31; Sept 1 - Oct 14
- Black Sea Bass: Fish are measured from the tip of the snout or jaw (mouth closed) to the farthest extremity of the tail, not including the tail filament. Black sea bass may be filleted but not skinned while at-sea. No more than two fillets per allowed fish may be possessed.
- For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.
Commercial rules
Show 4 commercial rules
- Where
- Trawls
- Size limit
- 12 in.
- Bag limit
- 1,500 lb.
- Season
- 1/1/ - Quota (Sun - Sat)
- Black Sea Bass: The commercial fishery opens on the first open fishing day on or after July 1 and remains open until the annual quota has been landed. For 2026, the season start date is July 1. The commercial fishery is subject to open and closed fishing days and permit specific trip limits. Trawlers and weir fishers are exempt from these rules and managed separately with trawlers having a year-round incidental catch limit and weirs being allocated a seasonal quota set-aside. For 2026, DMF has renewed the Consecutive Daily Trip Limit programs for fish potters and trawlers. This allows vessels who obtain a Letter of Authorization to possess and land up to two trip limits of certain species, including black sea bass, that were lawfully caught over two consecutive calendar days provided each day's catch is segregated and labeled.
- 'Quota' in the season column: the fishery runs until DMF closes it when the quota is taken (see Fishery Closure Notices); open/closed status is therefore not computed.
- Open days: Sun - Sat
- DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.
- Where
- Weirs
- Size limit
- 12 in.
- Bag limit
- No trip limit. Annual catch capped at 24,000 lb.
- Season
- 4/1 - Quota (Sun - Sat)
- Black Sea Bass: The commercial fishery opens on the first open fishing day on or after July 1 and remains open until the annual quota has been landed. For 2026, the season start date is July 1. The commercial fishery is subject to open and closed fishing days and permit specific trip limits. Trawlers and weir fishers are exempt from these rules and managed separately with trawlers having a year-round incidental catch limit and weirs being allocated a seasonal quota set-aside. For 2026, DMF has renewed the Consecutive Daily Trip Limit programs for fish potters and trawlers. This allows vessels who obtain a Letter of Authorization to possess and land up to two trip limits of certain species, including black sea bass, that were lawfully caught over two consecutive calendar days provided each day's catch is segregated and labeled.
- 'Quota' in the season column: the fishery runs until DMF closes it when the quota is taken (see Fishery Closure Notices); open/closed status is therefore not computed.
- Open days: Sun - Sat
- DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.
- Where
- Pots
- Size limit
- 12 in.
- Bag limit
- 500 lb. (7/1 - 8/31); 1,500 lb. (9/1 - Quota)
- Season
- 7/1 - 8/31 (Sun - Thu); 9/1 - Quota (Sun - Sat)
- Black Sea Bass: The commercial fishery opens on the first open fishing day on or after July 1 and remains open until the annual quota has been landed. For 2026, the season start date is July 1. The commercial fishery is subject to open and closed fishing days and permit specific trip limits. Trawlers and weir fishers are exempt from these rules and managed separately with trawlers having a year-round incidental catch limit and weirs being allocated a seasonal quota set-aside. For 2026, DMF has renewed the Consecutive Daily Trip Limit programs for fish potters and trawlers. This allows vessels who obtain a Letter of Authorization to possess and land up to two trip limits of certain species, including black sea bass, that were lawfully caught over two consecutive calendar days provided each day's catch is segregated and labeled.
- 'Quota' in the season column: the fishery runs until DMF closes it when the quota is taken (see Fishery Closure Notices); open/closed status is therefore not computed.
- Open days: Sun - Thu; Sun - Sat
- DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.
- Where
- Hook/Other
- Size limit
- 12 in.
- Bag limit
- 250 lb. (7/1 - 8/31); 1,500 lb. (9/1 - Quota)
- Season
- 7/1 - 8/31 (Sun - Thu); 9/1 - Quota (Sun - Sat)
- Black Sea Bass: The commercial fishery opens on the first open fishing day on or after July 1 and remains open until the annual quota has been landed. For 2026, the season start date is July 1. The commercial fishery is subject to open and closed fishing days and permit specific trip limits. Trawlers and weir fishers are exempt from these rules and managed separately with trawlers having a year-round incidental catch limit and weirs being allocated a seasonal quota set-aside. For 2026, DMF has renewed the Consecutive Daily Trip Limit programs for fish potters and trawlers. This allows vessels who obtain a Letter of Authorization to possess and land up to two trip limits of certain species, including black sea bass, that were lawfully caught over two consecutive calendar days provided each day's catch is segregated and labeled.
- 'Quota' in the season column: the fishery runs until DMF closes it when the quota is taken (see Fishery Closure Notices); open/closed status is therefore not computed.
- Open days: Sun - Thu; Sun - Sat
- DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.
Quick answers
What is the black sea bass size limit in Massachusetts?
Min: 16".
How many black sea bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
4 fish (May 16 - Aug 31); 2 fish (Sept 1 - Oct 14).
When is black sea bass season in Massachusetts?
May 16 - Aug 31; Sept 1 - Oct 14. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Black Sea Bass limits in other states →
More reef fish in Massachusetts
All Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.