As the population of inshore sharks has grown and the list of potential species has diversified, the popularity of targeting sharks from the beaches of Massachusetts has also grown. A sweeping restriction was introduced in the summer of 2025 after a group of shark-seeking surfcasters refused to yield to swimmers and continued chumming to attract sharks in and around the beachgoers. The authorities were called, a big uproar flared up, and eventually new restrictions were levied against recreational anglers.
Much of the hullabaloo was centered around the allegations that these casters were targeting great white sharks, an illegal practice that has steadily grown in popularity, among shark-seekers. While rarely showcased on social media (because the potential legal ramifications), more and more anglers have been secretly attempting to catch them; and after speaking with some of these anglers under the condition of anonymity, they are catching them, pretty regularly.
The reason behind the sweeping restrictions is twofold, (1) targeting white sharks is illegal and dangerous, and (2) chumming the waters of swimming beaches where great whites roam is just not a good idea. It’s been 8 years this month since a man died after being attacked by a white shark at Newcomb Hollow Beach on September 15, 2018. That attack came just weeks after a minor was attacked but survived the altercation at nearby Long Nook Beach.
The restrictions 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, RC-boats and bait cannons to deliver bait at distances not achievable with a cast. Lastly, the regulation restricts chumming from the shoreline during daylight hours. These restricted areas originally spanned the shoreline between Plymouth and Chatham, but has now been expanded to include the entire shoreline of Nantucket and its sister islands. 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 through October, after which DMF may consider permanently expanding the rule’s coverage for the 2027 season.
