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Rules · NH · blues / snappers / choppers

Bluefish rules in New Hampshire

Size, bag and season for recreational bluefish in New Hampshire waters, as published by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Openas of Oct 13Derived from the season dates on Oct 13, 2026
Size
No minimum size stated
Bag
5 fish per day (7 per day from a licensed saltwater for-hire vessel)
Season
No closed season stated

Also on the agency page: Fis 603.15, eff 5-18-26. Corrodible non-offset circle hooks required when angling with bait.

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

Bluefish rules are mostly about the bag limit, and a state can set a different bag for for-hire customers than for private anglers.

State water or federal water

New Hampshire rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Bluefish are jointly managed by ASMFC and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Federal recreational measures apply in federal waters. NOAA Fisheries · bluefish ↗

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.

StateSizeBagStatus as of Oct 13, 2026
MaineNo minimum size5 fish per angler per dayOpenas of Oct 13
New HampshireNo minimum size stated5 fish per day (7 per day from a licensed saltwater for-hire vessel)Openas of Oct 13
MassachusettsNo minimum size5 fish (shore and private vessel); 7 fish (for-hire vessel)Openas of Oct 13
Rhode IslandNo minimum size5 fish per person per day (licensed party/charter: 7 fish per person per day)Openas of Oct 13

All 13 states for bluefish →