Halibut Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)

Where

Statewide

Size limit

Min: 41"

Bag limit

1 fish

Season

Year Round

• Multi-Species Groundfish: Regulated groundfish species in state waters are defined as American plaice, cod, haddock, halibut, monkfish, ocean pout, pollock, redfish, windowpane flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, wolfish and yellowtail flounder. Gulf of Maine refers to all waters north of Cape Cod, including Cape Cod Bay, and those waters east of Cape Cod that are north of 42°00'N latitude. Southern New England refers to all waters south and west of Cape Cod, including Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and Mount Hope Bay, and all waters east of Cape Cod that are south of 42°00'N latitude including Nauset Harbor and Pleasant Bay. The limits listed apply to state-waters only. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
• Cod: It is unlawful to fish with hook and line gear in the Winter Cod Conservation Closure from November 15 through January 31. It is unlawful to take cod from the Spring Cod Conservation Closure from April 16 through July 21. See maps in 322 CMR 8.07 for more details. Western Gulf of Maine refers to all state waters north of Cape Cod and those waters down the backside of Cape Cod and east of Nantucket west of the 70th meridian. Southern New England refers to all state waters south and west of Cape Cod that are west of the 70th meridian. State-waters within the Southern New England Cod Management Area are closed to the retention of cod. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
• For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.

Official source

Where

Federal waters (EEZ) (ocean)

Size limit

41 inches

Bag limit

1 fish per vessel per trip

Season

All year

• Federal (EEZ) regulation published by NOAA Fisheries GARFO; Massachusetts state-waters rules may differ.
• Filleting at sea is allowed. Fillets must have some skin left on, and be consistent in size as that taken from legal size fish. Recreational vessels remain subject to the Whaleback Cod Spawning Protection Area.

Official source