Black Sea Bass Fishing in Massachusetts
When black sea bass are caught across Massachusetts, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Sea Bass catch through the year
Recreational catch in Massachusetts by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching black sea bass in Massachusetts
Black Sea Bass catches in Massachusetts run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 9% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Massachusetts fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch black sea bass in Massachusetts?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release black sea bass in Massachusetts?+
Across Massachusetts, about 9% of the black sea bass caught are kept and 91% are released. That works out to roughly 307K kept and 3.0M released in 2024.
How many black sea bass are caught in Massachusetts?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 3.3M black sea bass caught by recreational anglers in Massachusetts in 2024, making it the #3 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this black sea bass data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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