The 2020 fishing limits for the recreational harvest of summer flounder (fluke), scup, and black sea bass in Massachusetts are listed below. These status quo regulations result from recent decisions made by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (see the ASMFC meeting summary for more details).
Summer Flounder, May 23–October 9, 5 fish, 17″ mininum
Scup, Private Vessels & Shore, January 1–December 31, 30 fish (150 fish/vessel maximum), 9″ minimum
Scup, For-Hire Vessels, January 1–April 30, 30 fish, 9″ minimum; May 1–June 30, 50 fish; July 1–December 31, 30 fish
Black Sea Bass, May 18–September 8, 5 fish, 15″Possession limits are per person per day.
While the Commission and Council also selected new recreational possession limits for bluefish (including a 3-fish limit for anglers fishing from shore or aboard private vessels and a 5-fish limit for anglers fishing aboard for-hire vessels), states have the ability to request alternative rules that have the same conservational value. The Division of Marine Fisheries is evaluating possible options for Massachusetts anglers; final bluefish rules will be announced by this spring.
For more information, please contact the Division of Marine Fisheries at 617-626-1520 or visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.
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