If you’ve been cashing in on the land-based shark fishing that’s been taking place throughout the Cape and Islands, you’ll want to know that another shark fishing hot zone has been added to the restricted area. Readers may remember that Massachusetts imposed restrictions aimed at curbing the growing (and illegal) practices of targeting great white sharks from shore. The original restriction zone spanned the shoreline from Plymouth to Chatham, and as of August 3rd, these regulations have now been expanded to include the entire shoreline of Nantucket and its small sister islands.
The emergency regulations first imposed in 2025 by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) prohibit shore-based anglers from using wire leaders measuring 18 inches or greater in combination with hooks featuring a gap larger than 7/8-inch while fishing from the shoreline. In addition, the regulation prohibits the use of drones, remote-controlled boats and bait cannons to deliver bait at distances not achievable with a cast. Lastly, the regulation restricts chumming from the shoreline to the hours between sunrise and sunset.
The state implemented these hook and leader restrictions after recognizing that anglers were illegally fishing for white sharks from public beaches. Additionally, the practice of heavily chumming from shore poses a serious public safety risk when swimmers and anglers are trying to utilize the same areas.
Because distinguishing intentional white shark gear from other lawful heavy-tackle bottom fishing can be tough for environmental officers to enforce, DMF implemented these specific gear bans to give officers clear tools for enforcement. This emergency Nantucket expansion remains in effect for 90 days, and DMF may consider permanently expanding the rule’s coverage for the 2027 season.
