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2025 new fishing regulations
NEW MASS. REGULATION ON STRIPER MEASUREMENTS
Revised rule changes the way anglers must measure striped bass.
Massachusetts has clarified how anglers should measure striped bass, and is encouraging other states to do the same.
by OTW Staff April 9, 2025
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has made an important change to how striped bass must be measured—and it could improve the effectiveness of the stripers’ slot-based regulations.
As of now, all striped bass caught in both commercial and recreational fisheries must be measured with the tail lobes squeezed together. This decision comes after the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission (MFAC) unanimously approved the DMF’s recommendation to clarify and standardize the method for determining a fish’s total length.
Why the Change?
Until now, it was unclear whether anglers could measure striped bass with the tail squeezed or fanned out. While this might sound minor, it created significant discrepancies—especially for recreational fishermen trying to stay within the narrow slot limit of 28” to less than 31”.
DMF’s 2024 investigation found that squeezing the tail can add about 0.3 inches to a fish’s total length, while fanning the tail can reduce it by as much as 1.4 inches. That means the allowable 3-inch slot could effectively become a 4.7-inch range, depending on how the fish was measured.
This gap raised concerns about fairness and consistent enforcement, especially since recreational anglers are more likely to encounter fish on the edge of the slot limit. The change aims to eliminate confusion and help ensure that everyone is playing by the same rules.
What This Means for Anglers
When you measure your striped bass:
Pinch the upper and lower fork of the tail together to get the official total length.
- Make sure your fish falls between 28 inches and just under 31 inches when measured this way to legally retain it.
- If the fish is under 28″ or measures 31″ or more after pinching the tail, it must be released.
Looking Ahead
DMF is also encouraging the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to adopt this tail-squeezing method coastwide, which could lead to broader consistency across state lines in the future.
this from On The Water
2025 Fluke Fishing Opportunity
Fluke Fishing! 8/14/25
FLUKE FISHING TRIP/ AUG 14
This trip is almost sold out. There are only 4 out of 15 spots left. If you are thinking about attending please do so right away. This should be a great trip!
Summer Fluke Opportunity
ATTN FISHERMEN:
"The Helene H out of Hyannis is offering a "Low Capacity" Fluke fishing option. The Falmouth FIshermen's Association is planning to book 8/14/25 for this limited opportunity trip (15 passengers). If you are interested please contact me ASAP, as this trip will be sold out! Email me back at "vocationalconsults@gmail.com" if you are interested.... but don't delay!
F/V Angler Offshore Fluke Fishing
F/V Angler- Ultra Low-Capacity Offshore Nantucket Fluke– Departs 6 AM Returns Approx. 4 PM
We will be fishing around Nantucket and Nantucket Shoals for Jumbo Fluke and Black Sea Bass. This trip is limited to 15 passengers on the 75ft F/V Angler.
Fare: $275.00
Rod Rental: $20.00 Shimano Rod and Reel"
2025 CiTizen Science
Citizen Science
Following is an email we received from Kimberly FIne at DMF
My name is Kimberly Fine and I work at the Division of Marine Fisheries. I am the coordinator of our citizen science Sportfish Angler Data Collection Team (SADCT) Program. I am reaching out to you because you worked with the Division of Marine Fisheries on our citizen science Striped Bass Mortality Study.
I am reaching out to you today to see if you would be willing to join the SADCT program. As a SADCT angler you collect catch data on select marine species, the species of interest are Striped bass, Black sea bass, Scup, Fluke, and Bluefish. As a participant in the SADCT program I ask that you collect specific catch data:
Total Length in inches
Date of the fishing trip
General Fishing location (i.e. Boston Harbor, Cape Cod Bay...)
Mode in which you were fishing (Boat/Shore)
Catch Status (Kept/Released)For Striped Bass an additional scale sample is required.
I provide all participants with data sheets and data envelopes for Striped Bass scales. The program runs over the duration of 6 months (May-October). I have provided a link for the SADCT page should you wish to learn more about the program. I have also attached the general instructions, and scale sampling protocol so you have a better idea of what the program entails.
If you fish for at least one of the listed species I hope you would consider joining the SADCT citizen science program. The success of the program relies on the dedication of conservation minded individuals. Please feel free to reach out to me at anytime. If you are interested in joining the SADCT team I will need the following information:
Name:Mailing Address:Preferred Email:Preferred Phone Number:
Cheers and I look forward to hearing from you!
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sportfish-angler-data-collection-teamKimberly
Kim Fine
SADCT Program:
Aquatic Biologist I
Div. of Marine Fisheries
30 Emerson Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930
978.491.6224
2024 False Albacore Hunt
Mike Laraia wins 2024 Albie Hunt!
False Albie Hunt Recap
On Wednesday 9/18, 5 captains and crew ventured onto the waters of Vineyard Sound to hunt the elusive Albie. All captains and crews successfully returned unscathed, except maybe for their pride. The day began overcast and remained that way for the duration, ever threatening but never producing rain. The fearless fishermen were on a quest to hunt the elusive Albie.
There were 10 brave FFA members who took up the charge and went on the hunt. Boats were flying around from the rips down to Nobska and beyond, scanning, searching, nay hunting the elusive Albie. There were periods of silence when the serene waters of the sound blissfully rocked our hunters and periods of time when captains shifted quickly into action and drove to position themselves with a chance to capture their prey.
All who participated were winners! Taking some time to enjoy the company of other members locked in the battle and making some new friends along the way. The members shared information on when and where there were sightings, what the Albie were looking for and what tactics have worked in the past.
At the end of the day, there was one champion that emerged. Mike LaRaia seduced a 25 inch Albie to tickle his line to secure the title of FFA Albie Hunt champion of 2024!
Chris Bisanti
Falmouth Fishermens Association Club By Laws
Club Bylaws
FFA By-Laws - Article VI – MEMBERSHIP
All members are bound by and shall comply with By-laws.
-To be eligible for membership, a candidate shall be a law-abiding citizen, adhering to all Federal, State, Local and environmental laws. Always practicing good sportsmanship. Candidates must be proposed by at least one voting member of the Club. -Membership will be revoked by the Board of Governors for demonstrating behaviors and/or conduct inconsistent with the positive operation and direction of the Club, including misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of any kind. -The initiation fee for new members and the annual dues shall be as prescribed by the Board of Governors. Membership runs from January 1st through December 31st of each year. The annual dues, for all classes of membership, are due by April 1st of each year. Members who have not paid their dues by July 1st will cease to be members and will be placed in the category of Friends of the Club, having no rights in the Club. They will be notified of their change in status by the Treasurer and can be reinstated upon payment before September 1st. -Members in good standing may introduce and sponsor new candidates for membership. Revised: January 23, 2025
Striped Bass Conservation News
Striper conservation Opportunity
ATTENTION STRIPED BASS FISHERMEN
A PROJECT announcement from the MA Division of Marine Fisheries
About the project
Due to regulations and conservation-minded anglers, most striped bass are released back to the water after they are caught. Even though most of these fish survive, recreational releases still account for the largest source of mortality for striped bass. DMF is conducting research to understand why striped bass die after they are released and you can help!
We are seeking volunteer anglers to record some data while fishing for striped bass this year. Signing up and participating is easy, and you'll have the chance to win great prizes in our monthly raffles!
How to participate
If you're interested in joining the project as a volunteer angler, the first step is signing up through our online form. Each participant will be given a datasheets and instructions when they sign up. You'll also need three simple tools you might already have lying around. All you need to participate in the program is:
· A stopwatch—a wristwatch or smartphone can be used to record fight and release times (saying “hey siri, open stopwatch!” makes it easy on an iPhone). You can also buy a regular stopwatch at any sporting goods store.
· A thermometer—most fish-finders already have a built-in thermometer for recording water temperature, if you’re fishing from a boat. Your car probably will tell you the air temperature on the way to and from fishing. You can also buy a simple handheld thermometer from any kitchen store.
· A tape measure—most anglers probably keep one of these handy, but any kind of tape measure will do. Sometimes it is easier to note the fish length against your fishing rod, and then measure that length after release.
After sending in your first report, we'll mail you a pair of aluminum fishing pliers as a thank-you gift. Continued participation will keep you entered into regular raffle drawings for Shimano rod and reel combos!
Have questions? Email us at striper@mass.gov or call (978) 282-0308.
SIGN UP: Become a DMF citizen scientist for striped bass conservation | Mass.gov
2024 Black Sea bass tournament
Black Sea Bass Tournament News
BLACK SEA BASS TOURNAMENT 2024
WINNER: Steve O'Brien
The BSB tournament of 2024 was once again a nail biter right down to the end. If you recall last year, Skip Bandini won the tournament in the waning minutes of the hours long competition. This year was also a similar nail biter.
With the fishing nearly complete Tim Petrarca was ready to be honored the cup based on his total of 73 whopping inches of fish. As the anchors were being pulled up to meet for the cup presentation a final log was excitedly registered from the Tiger Lilly vessel. In that log Steve O'Brien also reads off his numbers. He ALSO registered a whopping total of 73"! This presents a momentary tie for the FFA Cup! But wait........
Because of the tie, the judges then had to refer back to the times of the last logged fish for each of them. Tim logged his last calculated catch in at around 11:50am, with only 10 minutes left in the tournament. A call back to the Tiger Lilly then revealed that Steve's last calculated fish was marked at 11:15am; 35 minutes prior! Based on the rules, it was determined that the first person to catch his registered total number of inches would be the winner. Because Steve caught his fish only minutes before Tim it was Steve O'Brien who would be awarded the 2024 FFA Black Sea Bass Cup. Steve is this year's Black Sea Bass Tournament Cup Winner.
Great job Steve!
Great job to all the others who participated and thank you to all who provided a great boating experience!
Michael LaRaia
Black Sea bass tournament pictures
Capt Kevin and his crew!
CONGRATULATIONS TO STEVE!
freshwater fishing at peters pond
Saturday, April 13th, 7 FFA members tempted the trout with a variety of offerings. Evidently our fishing license fees have kept the fish a little too well fed as they weren't interested. Either that or Saturday the 13th is bad luck. Any day fishing is a good day!
A nice day with not much wind
Larry and Doug
Congratulations TIM PETRACCA!
FFA MEMBER AND GOOD FRIEND TIM PETRACCA ABSOLUTELY DOMINATED THE MASS STRIPED BASS AWARDS FOR 2023!!!
- 1ST - LONGEST BASS BY A SENIOR
- 2ND - LONGEST BASS ALL AGES 2ND - LONGEST BASS COMBINED FROM 3 DIFFERENT MONTHS
- 3RD - LONGEST BLUEFISH
- 3RD - LONGEST BASS AND BLUEFISH COMBINED
TIM GIVES MUCH OF HIS CREDIT TO MENTOR AND BASS GURU BILL ON THE GRILL PRODOUZ, WHO HAS UNSELFISHLY SHARED HIS WEALTH OF KNOWLE
CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM! GREAT JOB!
Ryan Collins Update on Holtec Petition
Help Us Surpass 5,000 Signatures!
I am happy to report that we are about to hit 5,000 signatures on our petition asking Holtec CEO Krishna P. Singh to not dump radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay. AMAZING WORK EVERYONE!
To sign the petition please click on the link to Radioactive Water into Cape Cod Bay and check it out and leave a comment. To sign the petition please click on the following link: https://www.change.org/p/holtec-please-don-t-dump-radioactive-water-into-cape-cod-bay
We are making an impact with this petition and people in power are already starting to pay attention.
Ryan Collins started this petition to Holtec CEO Krishna P. Singh, Kelly Trice (President, Holtec Decommissioning International, and David Noyes (Holtec Senior Compliance Manager).
When my father and my uncles were growing up on the shore of Cape Cod Bay, just a couple miles south of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, they played witness to the construction of the power plant, and watched as the lush green coastline, which my father described to me as “paradise”, was turned into an industrial no-man’s land.
Today thanks to Holtec, the company responsible for decommissioning the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, we have begun dismantling this eye-sore, and hopefully, cleaning up the mess which my generation has inherited, and that future generations to come will also inherit. I am most thankful that the decommissioning of this plant has begun, and I appreciate Holtec’s expertise in ensuring this project is done in a responsible manner.
However, to my astonishment, it appears that Holtec is considering to dump 1.1 millions gallons of contaminated wastewater into Cape Cod Bay. There are of course several other alternatives to dumping the water into Cape Cod Bay (like trucking it to an offsite facility) but dumping the water into the bay is by far the cheapest option.
On Monday January 23rd there was a meeting at Plymouth Town Hall of the Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel (NDCAP), which advises the Governor and educates citizens across the state on activities related to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station shut down.
To summarize the meeting, Holtec said they won't release the water until they receive a permit which allows them to do so. However, Holtec still wants to dump the water. During the meeting I heard many intelligent statements being made about what is legal and what is not legal. I also heard many intelligent statements being made about nuclear science, pollutants, and chemistry.
Nevertheless I feel the people from Holtec are missing the point. There is something here that is more important than the law. There is something here that is more important than the science. Though the proposed dumping is plainly illegal, and though the National Academy of Sciences concludes there is in fact no "safe" level of exposure to ionizing radiation (see the BEIR VII Report), the ultimate issue here is a moral one...
The people, the tens of thousands of residents of Plymouth and Cape Cod, and the million tourists who visit this area each year, have made it clear that we would prefer for this water to not be released into our beloved Cape Cod Bay. The wishes of people, the real human beings who live here in the shadow of the nuclear plant, ought to supersede all the science, the permits etc.
In fact, every Town on Cape Cod, every Town on Martha's Vineyard, as well as Duxbury, and Scituate, have either passed Town Meeting Articles or ballot questions opposing dumping. The Plymouth Select Board has been unanimous in its opposition. When we say the People are opposed, we are not simply opining on that matter; rather, the clear face of the electoral evidence demonstrates we are factually correct.
My goal in starting this petition is to kindly ask that Holtec CEO Krishna P. Singh retract his plan to dump the water into the bay. I am also kindly asking that he publicly announce that he will not dump the water into Cape Cod Bay, and instead truck it to another facility for disposal. I also ask that he please make this announcement before the the next NDCAP meeting on March 27th, 6:30pm at Plymouth Town Hall.
Thank you to the local groups, newspapers, and other organizations that have been working to bring this issue to light. Let’s all continue spreading the word and keeping a close eye on this. I will keep you all updated with any updates I receive on my end.
Thank you for reading and for signing this petition.
Tight lines!
Ryan Collins
PS. This issue has also been covered extensively in the news. I would recommend reading this recent article from WBUR if you would like to learn more about what exactly is going on https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/12/08/epa-holtec-contaminated-wastewater-cape-cod-bay-clean-water-act
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
General Information
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) manages the state’s commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries and oversees other services that support the marine environment and fishing communities.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries - Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MAMarineFisheries/
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries - Website
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-marine-fisheries
Recreational Saltwater Fishing Information
With over 1,500 miles of coastline, there is plenty of opportunity to fish in Massachusetts. Before you hit the water, be sure to get your fishing permit and check out the resources in the link below.
Marine Fisheries Regulations
Marine fisheries regulations are updated throughout the year. Permit holders are responsible for remaining compliant with Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) rules and regulations. DMF receives its mandate from the General Laws of the Commonwealth. It authorizes the Director of DMF to manage the Commonwealth's marine fisheries, including how often, how many, when and where fish may be taken.
Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations
The information below describes the current recreational fishing limits for Massachusetts and was last updated on August 30, 2022.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations
Marine Fisheries Management
The fish and shellfish in Massachusetts coastal waters are public resources. The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has the responsibility to manage these resources for all citizens, even those who do not fish. We use fisheries research to develop regulations that specify where, when, how, and how many fish can be caught each year.
Because many fish don’t stay in one place, DMF collaborates with other states and the federal government to ensure the regional or coastwide resiliency of fish stocks. Also involved in the fisheries management process are fishing industry members, environmental groups, municipalities, and other interested parties.
Marine Fisheries Advisories and Notices
Advisories
DMF Advisories provide official announcements of updates to permits, public hearings, opening & closing of fishing seasons and other important news. If you want to stay up-to-date on current Advisories subscribe to the DMF listserv.
https://www.mass.gov/archive/dmf-advisories
Public Hearing Notices
Under the provisions of M.G.L. Ch 30A and pursuant to the authority found in M.G.L. Ch. 130 ss. 17A & 80, the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission schedule public hearings to accept comment on regulatory actions and proposed changes to 322 CMR.
MASS.GOV
Public Rights Along the Shoreline
Published in 2005, the fact sheet on "Public Rights Along the Shoreline" was developed by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).
Coastal managers are often asked, "Who owns the sea and shore?" If you have been curious, or perhaps a bit confused about what rights the public has along the shoreline, here's a brief primer on waterfront property law.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/public-rights-along-the-shoreline
Vineyard Wind Project
Overview
Vineyard Wind is well underway in developing the nation's first utility-scale offshore wind energy project over 15 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. The project will generate clean, renewable, cost-competitive energy for over 400,000 homes and businesses across the Commonwealth, while reducing carbon emissions by over 1.6 million tons per year.
New England is shifting to clean, competitively-priced energy, and Massachusetts state law seeks to have 3,200 MW of offshore wind providing electricity to the Commonwealth by 2035, which could represent over 20% of electricity consumed in the state. Vineyard Wind is an important part of that goal, and will make a significant contribution to the Commonwealth’s aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while growing our economy and enhancing energy security and reliability.
Vineyard Wind Project Related Links
- Updated Vineyard Wind Website. A lot of great information, take a look. https://www.vineyardwind.com/
- SMAST Fishermen Workshops Report and Studies Recommendations (also as PDF below). https://vineyardwind.app.box.com/s/rvwqef7crahpiy3unk4cra6amr08llwb Comments on report should be sent to cbank@vineyardwind.com.
- Economic Exposure of Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries to the Vineyard Wind Project (also as PDF below). https://vineyardwind.app.box.com/s/kxzslsoblrgp6ljifc4h2ax47ic27sll Comments on report should be sent to cbank@vineyardwind.com.
- Massachusetts Clean Energy Internship Program helps prepare the next generation of clean energy workers by funding internships for students and recent graduates at Massachusetts clean energy and water innovation companies. https://www.masscec.com/clean-energy-internship-program
- Final environmental impact report certified for Vineyard Wind’s 800-MW offshore wind project: https://www.windpowerengineering.com/business-news-projects/final-environmental-impact-report-certified-for-vineyard-winds-800-mw-offshore-wind-project/
- Vineyard Wind Committing $15M to MA - https://www.vineyardwind.com/masswinds
- Vineyard Wind Status: https://www.boem.gov/Vineyard-Wind/
- Public comment on Vineyard Wind’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS): http://www.regulations.gov, search BOEM-2018-0069
- Vineyard Wind, Barnstable officials sign agreement on cable project: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20181004/vineyard-wind-barnstable-officials-sign-agreement-on-cable-project
- NOAA Fisheries Researchers Map Habitat, Assess Northeast Wind Energy Areas: https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/pr2018/features/wind-energy-areas-report/