Restrictions on Hook and Line Gear
Effective May 8, 2026MGL c. 130, §§ 2, 17A, 80 and 104 16 U.S.C. 1856(a)(2)Division of Marine Fisheries
- (1) Use of Natural Bait with Embedded or Attached Weights. It shall be unlawful for any person to fish with natural bait that has been rigged with embedded or attached weights or other materials, unless such weights or other materials are attached to the end of the fishing line.
- (2) Prohibition on Mechanized Deployment of Baits. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing from the shoreline, including wade fishing, or fishing from any structure attached to the shoreline, including but not limited to bridges, jetties, piers, and docks with rod and reel gear to deploy baited hooks using any motorized, compressed propulsion, or remote-controlled device.