Scup rules in Massachusetts
Size, bag and season for recreational scup in Massachusetts waters, as published by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
- Size
- 11" minimum (private and for-hire vessel); 9.5" minimum (shore)
- Bag
- 30 fish (private vessel and shore); for-hire: 40 fish May 1 – Jun 30, 30 fish Jul 1 – Dec 31
- Season
- May 1 – December 31
Also on the agency page: Private vessels with 5+ anglers: 150-fish vessel limit. Filleted but not skinned at sea; max two fillets per fish.
This rule has area, mode or permit conditions that do not fit in a summary. Read the agency page before you keep a fish.
Stale: this row was last checked Oct 8, 2026, past our 30-day limit. Treat it as history and go to the agency page.
Rules change in season, sometimes by emergency notice. This page summarizes the agency page on the date shown. If this summary and the agency page disagree, the agency page controls.
What to know before you keep one
Scup rules often differ by fishing mode. Shore anglers, for-hire boats and private boats can carry different sizes or bags in the same state.
State water or federal water
Massachusetts rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Scup are jointly managed by ASMFC and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Federal recreational measures apply in federal waters. NOAA Fisheries · scup ↗
Across the state line
Rules for the same fish change at the state line. If you run across it or land in the next state, those rules apply.
| State | Size | Bag | Status as of Oct 13, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 11" minimum (private and for-hire vessel); 9.5" minimum (shore) | 30 fish (private vessel and shore); for-hire: 40 fish May 1 – Jun 30, 30 fish Jul 1 – Dec 31 | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Rhode Island | 11" minimum (private/rental and party/charter); 9.5" minimum (shore) | 30 fish per person per day (party/charter: 40 fish Sept 1 – Oct 31) | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Connecticut | 11" boat anglers; 9.5" shore anglers (incl. Enhanced Opportunity Fishing Sites) | 30 fish per angler per day | Openas of Oct 13 |