- Division of Marine Fisheries
In 2025, the recreational striped bass fishery regulations will not change. Recreational anglers will be able to harvest one fish per day in the slot limit of 28” to less than 31”, maintaining the three-inch slot first enacted in 2023.
Why did DMF change the regulations in 2023?
The narrowing of the slot limit (formerly 28” to less than 35”) was required by the Interstate Fishery Management Plan to reduce fishing pressure on the stock after recreational harvest experienced an unexpected, near doubling in 2022. Without additional restrictions, it was very unlikely we could meet our stock rebuilding goals.
Were the new measures successful?
Yes, at least in the short-term. The 2024 stock assessment confirmed that while the stock experienced overfishing in 2022, the narrower slot reduced recreational fishery removals in 2023, helping bring fishing mortality back to near the target rate. Furthermore, recreational harvest estimates for 2024 through October are tracking below 2023 levels. However, fishing mortality is predicted to increase in 2025 as the above-average 2018 year-class grows into the slot limit and becomes vulnerable to recreational harvest. It is unclear if this will knock the stock off its rebuilding trajectory.
What comes next?
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Striped Bass Management Board has initiated an addendum to the management plan to consider whether additional measures should be implemented in 2026 to support stock rebuilding. DMF will engage the public through meetings and advisories as the addendum is developed and released for public comment.
Learn more
Our Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) addresses common questions about the actions taken by the Striped Bass Management Board, why they were taken, and what will happen as a result. Visit the FAQ at mass.gov/striped-bass-faq to find out more about these changes and why they were adopted.
