Massachusetts state waters, out to 3 miles
MA prohibited shark species; release immediately to maximize survival.
MA DMF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Bull sharkBroader snout, no ridge between dorsals. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Very tall first dorsal starting over the pectorals; high back ridge; stocky gray-brown body. More on the sandbar shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep sandbar shark in Massachusetts?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Massachusetts. Release it in the water where you can. MA prohibited shark species; release immediately to maximize survival.
How current is this Massachusetts sandbar shark 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 a sandbar shark in Massachusetts and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app