Can I Keep?Smooth dogfish Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational smooth dogfish rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
no minimum size
Bag limit
included in total shark bag limit +1 additional
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Smooth dogfish rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- no minimum size
- Bag limit
- included in total shark bag limit +1 additional
- Recreational fishermen shall use circle hooks as the terminal tackle except when fishing with flies or artificial lures.
- Federal regulations may differ. Please consult NOAA's Highly Migratory Species Office.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- All Gear
- Size limit
- no limit
- Bag limit
- 300 lb.
- Season
- 5/1 - Quota (Sun - Sat)
- '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.
Quick answers
What is the smooth dogfish size limit in Massachusetts?
no minimum size.
How many smooth dogfish can I keep in Massachusetts?
included in total shark bag limit +1 additional.
More offshore & pelagic in Massachusetts
- Atlantic angel shark
- Atlantic bonito & false albacore
- 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
All Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.