Massachusetts’ 2026 commercial striped bass fishery is open as of today, June 16, with a season quota of 683,773 pounds — unchanged from last year.
The season launches on a restricted schedule: commercial fishing is permitted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only through the end of July. If at least 30% of the quota remains after July 31, Thursdays will be added to the schedule beginning August 1. If quota remains after September 30, Mondays and Fridays open as well, running through the end of the season.
Permitting: Limited Entry Now in Effect
One notable change for 2026: striped bass endorsements are now limited entry, meaning they’re available by renewal only. The renewal deadline has already passed, and all 2026 endorsements have been issued.
Size and Daily Limits
The commercial minimum size is 35 inches total length, measured as a straight-line from the tip of the closed jaw to the squeezed tail. The daily limit is 15 fish for boat-based permit holders fishing aboard their permitted vessel, and 2 fish for all other commercial fishing activity. That limit is both a possession and landing limit — it applies regardless of how many permits are on board or how many trips are taken in a day. High-grading (releasing a legal fish to keep a larger one) is prohibited. Gaffs and other injurious tools may not be used on undersized fish.
Follow along to see the commercial striped bass quota get filled.
Authorized Gear
Rod-and-reel and handline are the only legal gears for commercial striped bass harvest in Massachusetts. Fish caught by any other method may not be retained, possessed, or sold.
Cape Cod Canal: Off-Limits to Commercial Fishing
The Canal is closed to commercial striped bass fishing. Any striped bass retained from the Canal — or possessed within 1,000 feet of it, unless actively being transported to a dealer — must comply with Massachusetts recreational limits: one fish per angler, 28 inches to less than 31 inches.
On Closed Days, Recreational Rules Apply
On days when commercial fishing is not permitted, all striped bass fishing must follow the 2026 recreational regulations. Commercial and recreational striped bass fishing may not occur on the same trip.
Reporting Is Mandatory
Commercial fishermen must report all retained striped bass monthly — including fish kept for personal use — even in months when no fishing occurred. Failure to report on time can result in non-renewal of your endorsement in 2027.