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Brace Cove

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Massachusetts, United States

5.0·87 catches

Top fish species at Brace Cove

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Brace Cove fishing reports

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Acadian Redfish

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Longspined bullhead

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Atlantic pollock

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Atlantic mackerel

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Atlantic mackerel

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Atlantic mackerel

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General info

Brace Cove is a part of an ocean located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is most popular for fishing Haddock, Atlantic cod, and Atlantic mackerel.

Location

42°35′24.5″N 70°38′56.6″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Brace Cove, MA

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Massachusetts can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: April 1 - February 28
Haddock

Haddock

Regulation boundaryMA Gulf of Maine Waters
Bag limit15

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size17" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Additional information
Multi-Species Groundfish: Regulated groundfish species in state waters are defined as American plaice, cod, haddock, halibut, monkfish, ocean pout, pollock, redfish, windowpane flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, wolfish and yellowtail flounder. Gulf of Maine refers to all waters north of Cape Cod, including Cape Cod Bay, and those waters east of Cape Cod that are north of 42°00'N latitude. Southern New England refers to all waters south and west of Cape Cod, including Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and Mount Hope Bay, and all waters east of Cape Cod that are south of 42°00'N latitude including Nauset Harbor and Pleasant Bay. The limits listed apply to state-waters only. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Season closed: November 1 - August 31
Atlantic cod

Atlantic cod

Regulation boundaryMA Western Gulf of Maine Cod Stock Area
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size23" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Additional information
It is unlawful to fish with hook and line gear in the Winter Cod Conservation Closure from November 15 through January 31. It is unlawful to take cod from the Spring Cod Conservation Closure from April 16 through July 21. See maps in 322 CMR 8.07 for more details. Western Gulf of Maine refers to all state waters north of Cape Cod and those waters down the backside of Cape Cod and east of Nantucket west of the 70th meridian. Southern New England refers to all state waters south and west of Cape Cod that are west of the 70th meridian. State-waters within the Southern New England Cod Management Area are closed to the retention of cod. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Gadus morhua
Season open: year-round
Atlantic mackerel

Atlantic mackerel

Regulation boundaryMassachusetts State Waters
Bag limit20

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Additional information
No minimum size.Identification Guide for commonly confused mackerel, including Atlantic Mackerel and similar species.
Edibility
Good
Synonyms
Scomber scombrus
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Local laws and licenses

Massachusetts fishing license

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Reviews of Brace Cove

5.0
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FAQ about Brace Cove fishing

📍 Where is Brace Cove located?
Brace Cove is a part of an ocean located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. Its coordinates are:
42°35′24.5″N 70°38′56.6″W
.
🎣 Where on Brace Cove is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Brace Cove by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Brace Cove?
The most common species in Brace Cove are:
📢 What are the latest Brace Cove fishing reports?
The latest Brace Cove fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Brace Cove right now?
According to fishing regulations at Brace Cove, some of the species in season this November include: Tautog, Atlantic bluefin tuna, Scup, Haddock, and Atlantic rainbow smelt. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Brace Cove?

Fishing in Massachusetts requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term options, available online or at licensed agents.

In Massachusetts, no fishing license is required for anglers under 15 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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