The black sea bass has become one of the most popular saltwater fish among recreational fishermen throughout New England waters. Once thought of as a food fish that was almost exclusively targeted with bait, the sea bass has become big business for tackle shops and charters, with an explosion in popularity thanks to newer methods like slow pitch jigging that have proven to be effective and fun ways to target these aggressive feeders. And, of course, their mild, white flesh makes them a favorite among fish eaters throughout the region.
The other great thing about this beautiful bottom feeder that punches well above its weight is that they are available to all anglers who fish inshore waters. From the rocky crevices of places like Hen and Chickens Reef in Buzzards Bay, to the rock-strewn waters of Nomans Island, boaters are cashing in on them. But we see plenty of kayakers hooking them as well, from nearshore reefs all along the Massachusetts coastline. Even shore anglers are able to hook sea bass on bait and jigs from deeper ledge spots or the waters of the Cape Cod Canal.
One of the rites of spring for the bottom fisher in Massachusetts is when the state releases their new regulations for sea bass and the wait is over. At a meeting last month the MFAC unanimously approved DMF’s recommendation to adopt an open recreational black sea bass season of May 17 to September 1. This replaces last year’s May 18 – September 3 season in order to maintain a Saturday opening date. There has been no official word on the size and bag limits, but they should be on par with the 2024 regulations of four fish per angler, per day with a minimum size of 16.5 inches. We’ll keep you updated as things come into focus for these and other species across New England.
