Massachusetts regulations
Stripers (Striped Bass) Regulations in Massachusetts 2026
Massachusetts Stripers regulations as of 2026-05-08: Status Permitted; Daily bag 1 fish; Max size 31 inches. Sourced from DFW / DMF.
Rules (13)
Massachusetts statewideOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 35"
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
- Gear
- Inline Circle Hooks
Saltwater statewide minimum Slot limit applies; one fish per day must be within slot 28–35 inches; one trophy fish >35 inches also allowed under certain conditions Recreational anglers are required to use inline circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with whole or cut natural baits, except if the natural bait is attached to an artificial lure (e.g., tube and worm)
Cape Cod CanalOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Interested in finding a spot on a waterbody like Cape Cod Canal
Private And For-Hire Vessel
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Max size
- 31"
1 fish 28" to less than 31"
Shore Based
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Max size
- 31"
1 fish 28" to less than 31"
Also known as
Stripers is also called Stripers (Striped Bass), Striped Bass, striped bass. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions
When is Stripers season in Massachusetts?
Stripers season in Massachusetts runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 per DFW / DMF.
What is the size limit for Stripers in Massachusetts?
Minimum size for Stripers in Massachusetts is 28 inches, per DFW / DMF. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Stripers in Massachusetts?
Daily bag limit for Stripers in Massachusetts is 1 fish in Private And For-Hire Vessel, per DFW / DMF.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/massachusetts/fishing
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26MASW_SHOW_LR.pdf
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DFW / DMF before keeping a catch. Last verified .