Size Regulations
Recreational angling of cod requires the harvest to be a minimum 17 inches. North of Cape Cod the size limit is 24 inches, and south and east of Cape Cod it's 22 inches.
Possession Limits
North of Cape Cod, 10 fish are permitted per fisherman per trip from April 1 through October 31. From November 1 through March 31, the limits are two cod per person or 75 lb. per boat. South and east of Cape Cod, possession of 10 fish per person per trip is allowed throughout the year.
Conservation Zones
North of Cape Cod, spring and winter cod conservation zones are designed to preserve natural habitat and cod populations and to manage the high demand for this species. The spring zone is from May 1 through June 30, and the winter zone is from December 1 through January 31. It is illegal to catch cod in conservation zones during these periods.
Reels
Many anglers fish for cod in private or party boats. A 7 1/2- to 9-foot medium to stiff rod with a conventional 4/0 reel is required for pursuing cod species offshore.
Permits
Permits are not required for recreational saltwater angling in Massachusetts; however, a commercial permit is required when any fish are sold.
Article Written By A.C. Bauer
A.C. Bauer is a seasoned adventurist with explorations spanning four continents, including hiking Machu Picchu, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, running the Ice Age Trail and road biking out of her front door. She has written marketing materials for eight years and worked for Red Bull, Disney and Dick's Sporting Goods, and received a master's in recreation and sport science from Ohio University.
