Possession Limits
The possession limit for species in Massachusetts shall be twice the bag limit unless noted otherwise.
Fishing Prohibitions
The following are prohibited:
- More than two hooks for fishing open water or more than five hooks when ice fishing. A hook is defined as an angling
device attached to a fishing line that is designed to take one fish at a time but is not limited to devices commonly called
spinners, spoons, bait harnesses, jigs, or plugs.
- The taking of any fish from the inland waters of the Commonwealth for the purposes of sale.
- Lead Sinkers, Lead Weights, and Lead Jigs Weighing Less Than an Ounce. Any sinker or weight made from lead that
weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohibited for
use in all inland waters of the Commonwealth. The term lead sinker shall not include any other sinkers, weights, fishing lures
or fishing tackle including, but not limited to, artificial lures, hooks, weighted flies, and leadcore or other weighted
fishing lines.
- Possession of: Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot,
Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Longnose Sucker, and Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! If caught, release immediately. This
means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water immediately — do not pose for photographs, place on a stringer, hold
in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of the fish to the water.
- Releasing fish or spawn into inland waters, except by permit.
- Transporting live fish (except bait for personal use) without a permit.
- Jug, toggle, or trot line fishing.
- Snagging
- Poisons and Explosives
Spears, Bow and Arrows
Spears, bow and arrows may be used to take White Suckers and Carp only. Fishing license required.
Ice Fishing
All anglers are allowed up to five hooks through the ice at one time. A hook is defined as an angling device attached to the
line of a tip-up or jig stick that is designed to take one fish at a time. This includes plain hooks, treble hooks, spinners,
spoons, bait harnesses, jigs, or plugs. The device in question is not restricted to a single hook – lures with multiple treble
hooks count as one hook in the water. Hooks can be on any combination of tip-ups or jig sticks, but no more than five hooks
total.
All anglers must be able to tend their own hooks (tip-ups or jig sticks). Adults may assist minors with cutting holes or
removing hooks, but minors must be capable of tending tip-ups or jig sticks on their own.
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