Massachusetts Striped Bass Association
                             Since 1950
The recreational anglers voice in Massachusetts
 
Objectives of the Mass Striped Bass Association:
The Objectives of this Association are; To promote and encourage interest in salt water sport fishing: to provide opportunities
for those interested in salt water sport fishing to gather for entertainment and good fellowship; to uphold sound conservation practices
and laws and to see that these laws are carried out by its members; to further good sportsmanship and to disseminate
information concerning saltwater Sportfishing both to Association members and others.
MSBA IS A PROUD AFFILIATE OF THE RECREATIONAL FISHING ALLIANCE & THE RHODE ISLAND SALTWATER ANGLERS ASSOCIATION
 
All MSBA meetings are held at the Viking Club, 410 Quincy Ave, Braintree, MA
MarineFisheries Advisory

ADJUSTMENTS TO GROUNDFISH RULES TO COMPLIMENT ASPECTS OF AMENDMENT 16

The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has promulgated rules pertaining to commercial and
recreational groundfish that adjust 322 CMR 6.03, 6.41 and 7.01.
These actions compliment aspects of the federal groundfish management plan.

Commercial and recreational fishermen should be advised that the following changes
the 322 CMR have been made and are now in effect:
Recreational Gulf of Maine Cod Season Changes
The season when private recreational fishermen may keep only two cod per angler per day not exceeding
75 lbs. of cod per vessel has been extended by 15 days and is now November 1 – April 15.
The season when for-hire recreational fishermen may not possess cod has been extended by 15 days and
is now November 1 – April 15.  

Halibut Minimum Size Increase
Both the recreational and commercial minimum size for halibut has increased from 37” to 41”.

Prohibitions on Ocean Pout, Wolffish and Windowpane Flounder
Commercial fishermen are now prohibited from retaining or landing wolfish, ocean pout and windowpane
flounder.  Recreational fishermen are now prohibited from retaining or landing wolfish.

Restrictions on the Possession of Groundfish Fillets
Recreational fishermen are allowed to land fillets of groundfish provided each fillet has 2 square inches of
skin attached for species identification purposes and the fillets do not exceed two times the bag limit for
that species.

Conversion for Groundfish Fillets and Parts
Commercial fishermen may land fillets and parts of groundfish provided the weight of these parts and fillets
will be multiplied by three to determine compliance with commercial trip limits.  This provision does not
apply to the possession of cod parts.
 
For further information please contact Jared Silva by phone (617-626-1534)
or through e-mail (jared.silva@state.ma.us),

or visit our website to view the full text of these regulations
(www.mass.gov/marinefisheries).