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Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are stout-bodied with a long dorsal fin and large pectoral and pelvic fins. The dorsal fin has a spiny forward section and the soft rayed rear section, and is marked with a series of white spots and bands. The tail is rounded and sometimes has a long streamer at the top edge. As the name implies, their body coloration is blackish to grayish, but the center of the scales is white. During the spawning season, however, dominant males turn bright blue colors and have a large hump on their heads.
Black Sea Bass Fishing in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, black sea bass season is May 17 - September 1.
Minimum size, 16.5"
4 fish per angler
Fish are measured from the tip of the snout or jaw (mouth closed) to the farthest extremity of the tail, not including the tail filament (see photo above). Black sea bass may be filleted but not skinned while at-sea.
Tautog
Tautog are a stout fish with a blunt nose and thick lips. They have one long dorsal fin which has sharp spines, as do their pelvic fins. Tautog have large conical teeth in the front of their mouths and flat crushing teeth in back. They range from dark green to black on their dorsal side with mottling down to a lighter belly and a white chin. While the largest tautog ever caught with hook and line in Massachusetts weighed nearly 23 pounds, the average fish caught by an angler weighs 2–4 pounds.
Tautog Fishing in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, tautog season is April 1 - December 31.
Minimum size, 16" and only 1 can exceed 21"
April 1 - May 31: 3 fish per angler
June 1 - July 31: 1 fish per angler
August 1 - October 14: 3 fish per angler
October 15 - December 31: 5 fish per angler
Striped Bass
Striped bass can weigh over 100 pounds, but it is rare to find one over 50 pounds. Females are far larger than males. Striped bass have large mouths and jaws that extend below the eye. The body of the fish is blueish to dark olive, with silver sides and belly. There are also 7 or 8 stripes that run from the head to tail of the fish.
Striped Bass Fishing in Massachusetts
Year round catching of striped bass is allowed
Minimum size, 28" and less than 31"
1 fish per angler
We found a great resource on the Mass Division of Fisheries that has all the 2025 Recreational Fishing Limits. Check out the link below.
