Massachusetts Commercial Fishermen Haul In 683,773 Pounds of Striped Bass

Massachusetts commercial fishermen have hauled in their entire 683,773-pound striped bass quota for the year — and the state is pulling the plug. The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) announced the 2026 commercial striped bass fishery closes effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, after projecting that fishermen would land 100% of the annual allocation by Tuesday, August 4. Barring further notice, the commercial season won’t reopen until 2027.

Massachusetts’ commercial minimum size for striped bass is 35 inches total length, measured as a straight-line from the tip of the closed jaw to the squeezed tail. That means the entire 683,773-pound quota was made up exclusively of fish at or above that size.

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What This Means for Commercial Fishermen

Once the closure hits, it’s unlawful to retain, possess, or land striped bass commercially, or in any way that doesn’t align with the state’s recreational rules. Commercial permit holders still owe monthly trip-level reports by the 15th of the following month — even in months they didn’t fish. Reports can be filed electronically through SAFIS, or mailed to DMF Statistics Project, 30 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930, or emailed to dmf.stats@mass.gov. Fishers who miss reports for any month risk non-renewal of their commercial permit and endorsements in 2027.

Recreational Anglers: You’re Still In

The commercial closure doesn’t affect the recreational fishery. Anglers can still keep one striped bass per day within the 28-inch to under-31-inch slot limit, measured with the tail squeezed.

Seafood Dealers Face New Restrictions

Dealers can’t buy or receive striped bass from commercial fishers during the closure, though they can still sell striped bass legally imported from other states — provided it complies with that state’s regulations and Massachusetts’ tagging requirements. DMF is also asking dealers to return all unused 2026 Striped Bass ID Tags and submit their annual Tag Accounting Report. Dealers who fail to do so risk losing the ability to obtain tags and make primary striped bass purchases in future years.

FAQ

When does the closure take effect?
12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Can I still keep striped bass recreationally?
Yes — one fish per day, 28″ to under 31″, tail squeezed.

When does the commercial fishery reopen?
It’s scheduled to reopen in 2027, unless DMF issues further notice.

For more information, visit mass.gov/marinefisheries.