Massachusetts state waters, out to 3 miles
Size14" min
BagNo bag limit
SeasonYear-roundOpen today
MA DMF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Winter flounderSmall mouth, lateral line curved over the pectoral. Tell them apartSize12 in total length
Bag8 per day
SeasonOpen year-round
Summer flounderLeft-eyed, big-toothed. Tell them apartSize17.5" vessel / 16.5" shore
Bag5 fish
SeasonMay 24 - Sep 23
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Right-eyed flounder with a large mouth reaching below the eye and a nearly straight lateral line; rough reddish-brown to gray-brown back. More on the American plaice page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
American plaice in other states3 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for American plaice in Massachusetts?
14" min.
How many American plaice can you keep in Massachusetts?
No bag limit.
When is American plaice season in Massachusetts?
Year-round.
How current is this Massachusetts American plaice rule?
Source: MA DMF 2026, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an American plaice in Massachusetts and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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