Federal rule (New England federal waters) · Massachusetts lists none of its own
Protected in federal and Massachusetts waters — release immediately.
NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Ocean poutFleshy lips, no tusks, no bars. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Massachusetts state record
MA DMF Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-09-04
How to tell it
Gray-blue with dark vertical bars and a mouthful of canine tusks built for crushing shellfish. More on the Atlantic wolffish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic wolffish in other states5 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask3
Can you keep Atlantic wolffish in Massachusetts?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New England federal waters waters, and Massachusetts lists no rule of its own. Release it in the water where you can. Protected in federal and Massachusetts waters — release immediately.
What is the Massachusetts record Atlantic wolffish?
55 lb 8 oz, Cape Cod Bay (2000).
How current is this Massachusetts Atlantic wolffish rule?
Source: NOAA GARFO 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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