Scup Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)

Recreational scup rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.

Size limit

Min: 11"

Bag limit

30 fish

Season

May 1 - Dec 31

Recreational Scup rules in Massachusetts

Scup: Fish may be filleted but not skinned while at-sea. No more than two fillets per allowed fish may be possessed. If 5 or more anglers are onboard a private vessel, there is a vessel limit of 150-fish.
For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.

Scup: Fish may be filleted but not skinned while at-sea. No more than two fillets per allowed fish may be possessed. If 5 or more anglers are onboard a private vessel, there is a vessel limit of 150-fish.
For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.

Scup: Fish may be filleted but not skinned while at-sea. No more than two fillets per allowed fish may be possessed. If 5 or more anglers are onboard a private vessel, there is a vessel limit of 150-fish.
For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.

Show 5 commercial rules

Scup: Trawlers fishing with mesh less than 5" are subject to a 1,000 pound possession limit from October 1 - April 14, a 2,000 pound possession limit from April 15 - June 15 and a 200 pound possession limit from June 16 - September 30. Except as authorized for small mesh squid trawl fishery, minimum mesh size in state waters is 6.5" in cod end and 6" throughout remainder of net. During Winter I and Winter II periods, vessels may possess and land scup lawfully taken in federal waters in accordance with the federal limit.
Open days: Sun - Sat
DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.

Scup: Trawlers fishing with mesh less than 5" are subject to a 1,000 pound possession limit from October 1 - April 14, a 2,000 pound possession limit from April 15 - June 15 and a 200 pound possession limit from June 16 - September 30. Except as authorized for small mesh squid trawl fishery, minimum mesh size in state waters is 6.5" in cod end and 6" throughout remainder of net. During Winter I and Winter II periods, vessels may possess and land scup lawfully taken in federal waters in accordance with the federal limit.
'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.

Scup: Trawlers fishing with mesh less than 5" are subject to a 1,000 pound possession limit from October 1 - April 14, a 2,000 pound possession limit from April 15 - June 15 and a 200 pound possession limit from June 16 - September 30. Except as authorized for small mesh squid trawl fishery, minimum mesh size in state waters is 6.5" in cod end and 6" throughout remainder of net. During Winter I and Winter II periods, vessels may possess and land scup lawfully taken in federal waters in accordance with the federal limit.
'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.

Scup: Trawlers fishing with mesh less than 5" are subject to a 1,000 pound possession limit from October 1 - April 14, a 2,000 pound possession limit from April 15 - June 15 and a 200 pound possession limit from June 16 - September 30. Except as authorized for small mesh squid trawl fishery, minimum mesh size in state waters is 6.5" in cod end and 6" throughout remainder of net. During Winter I and Winter II periods, vessels may possess and land scup lawfully taken in federal waters in accordance with the federal limit.
'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.

Scup: Trawlers fishing with mesh less than 5" are subject to a 1,000 pound possession limit from October 1 - April 14, a 2,000 pound possession limit from April 15 - June 15 and a 200 pound possession limit from June 16 - September 30. Except as authorized for small mesh squid trawl fishery, minimum mesh size in state waters is 6.5" in cod end and 6" throughout remainder of net. During Winter I and Winter II periods, vessels may possess and land scup lawfully taken in federal waters in accordance with the federal limit.
'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.

Min: 11" (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

30 fish (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

May 1 - Dec 31. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.