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Measuring Striped Bass for Compliance with Size Limits
Beginning in 2025, the method of measuring a striped bass for compliance with recreational and commercial size limits has been modified. Fishers must now pinch the tail together when measuring a striped bass to confirm it is of legal harvestable size. All size limits for striped bass are in total length. Total length is to be measured as the greatest straight-line length (not over the curve of the body) in inches from the anterior most tip of the jaw or snout, with the fish’s mouth closed, to the farthest extremity of the tail, with the tail squeezed together.
 Previously, fishers could either pinch the tail or leave it fanned out when measuring the length of a striped bass. Requiring the tail to be pinched establishes a clear and consistent technique for measuring striped bass for compliance with both minimum and maximum size limits. Data collected by the Division indicates that manipulating the tail can alter the measured length of a striped bass by over an inch. This revision upholds the intended conservation benefits of the management measures and supports their enforceability.
For more information about the management of marine fisheries in Massachusetts,
visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.
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