Cusk Fishing in Massachusetts
When cusk are caught across Massachusetts, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Cusk 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 cusk in Massachusetts
Cusk catches in Massachusetts run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 37% 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 cusk in Massachusetts?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and May-Jun. 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 cusk in Massachusetts?+
Across Massachusetts, about 37% of the cusk caught are kept and 63% are released. That works out to roughly 37K kept and 62K released in 2024.
How many cusk are caught in Massachusetts?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 99K cusk caught by recreational anglers in Massachusetts in 2024, making it the #19 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this cusk data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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