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Massachusetts regulations

Stripers (Striped Bass) Regulations in Massachusetts 2026

Massachusetts stripers season runs Jan 1 – Dec 31 in 2026. Statewide rules: 1 fish/day, slot 28″–31″. Sourced from DFW / DMF.

DFW / DMFOfficial source

About Stripers →

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)
Verified · View official source ↗
Cape Cod CanalOpen
Status
Permitted
Interested in finding a spot on a waterbody like Cape Cod Canal
Verified · View official source ↗
Private And For-Hire Vessel
Daily bag
1 fish
Max size
31"
1 fish 28" to less than 31"
Verified · View official source ↗
Shore Based
Daily bag
1 fish
Max size
31"
1 fish 28" to less than 31"
Verified · View official source ↗

Other Massachusetts fish regulations

Other regulated species in Massachusetts with current rule pages — same DFW / DMF source, same verification cadence.

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

Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DFW / DMF before keeping a catch.

← All Massachusetts fishing regulations