Massachusetts Fish Species

Seasonal Fishing Guide for Massachusetts Waters

What Species Are Biting Each Season

Massachusetts offers exceptional fishing opportunities year-round, with a wide variety of inshore and offshore fish species showing up in different seasons. Spring kicks off the season with the arrival of striped bass, one of the most sought-after game fish along the coast. By late April and into May, schoolies begin to migrate into Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. As water temperatures rise, bluefish and fluke (summer flounder) start to appear, providing action-packed fishing in nearshore waters throughout early summer.

During the summer months, both inshore and offshore fishing heat up. Black sea bass, scup (porgy), and tautog dominate the rocky bottoms and reefs nearshore, making them prime targets for anglers of all skill levels. Offshore waters begin to see activity from bluefin tuna, especially off Stellwagen Bank and other deepwater ledges. By July and August, sharks such as mako and thresher are also present offshore, drawing serious anglers looking for bigger fights and unforgettable experiences.

Fall delivers another wave of striped bass action as they begin their migration south. This season is ideal for targeting large bass feeding heavily before winter. False albacore and bonito can also be found during this time, especially inshore around warm currents and bait pods. Offshore fishing continues with chances for late-season tuna and deepwater groundfish like haddock and pollock. As temperatures drop, activity slows, but late fall still holds strong potential for those chasing stripers and sea bass before the season ends.

What fish are common in Massachusetts?

Common fish in Massachusetts include black sea bass, scup, striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and tautog. Fishrack Charters specializes in targeting these species, offering exciting fishing opportunities for anglers looking to catch these fish in Massachusetts waters.

What's the biggest fish caught in Massachusetts?

The biggest fish caught in Massachusetts was a 1,182-pound, 12-foot-7-inch bluefin tuna. While Fishrack Charters targets a variety of species, including black sea bass and scup, the thrill of landing a giant like this is always a possibility in Massachusetts waters.

What kind of fish are in Buzzards Bay?

Buzzards Bay is home to a variety of fish species, including black sea bass, scup, striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and tautog. Fishrack Charters specializes in targeting these species, offering exciting fishing opportunities for anglers looking to explore the waters of Buzzards Bay.

A Fishrack Charters Fishing Charter targets the top Massachusetts Fish species including Black Sea Bass, Scup. We primarily Fish the Atlantic Ocean, Buzzards Bay, New Bedford.