New Hampshire state waters, out to 3 miles
NH F&G 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
No retention in federal or Massachusetts waters — release immediately.
NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Atlantic wolffishCanine tusks and bold bars. Tell them apart
Conger eelTrue eel shape, no frog face. Tell them apartNot listed by New Hampshire: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
American eelTrue eel, continuous fin. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Eel-shaped body with a frog face and fleshy lips; single long dorsal running to the tail. More on the ocean pout page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Ocean pout in other states5 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep ocean pout in New Hampshire?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New Hampshire. Release it in the water where you can.
How current is this New Hampshire ocean pout rule?
Source: NH F&G 2026, last checked Sep 10, 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 ocean pout in New Hampshire and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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