Can I Keep?Spiny Dogfish Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational spiny dogfish 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.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Spiny Dogfish rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- No Limit
- Bag limit
- No Limit
- Season
- Year Round
- For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.
- Where
- Federal waters (EEZ) (ocean)
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- Unlimited
- Season
- All year
- Federal (EEZ) regulation published by NOAA Fisheries GARFO; Massachusetts state-waters rules may differ.
- Charter/party vessels landing dogfish must abide by the federal commercial regulations (possession limits, quotas, closures, etc.).
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- All Gear
- Size limit
- no limit
- Bag limit
- 7,500 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 spiny dogfish size limit in Massachusetts?
No Limit (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many spiny dogfish can I keep in Massachusetts?
No Limit (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is spiny dogfish season in Massachusetts?
Year Round. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Spiny Dogfish limits in other states →
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.