Porgy Regulations Based on Your Region
Porgies—also known as scup—are one of the most underrated but highly rewarding inshore species on the East Coast. The porgy is a bottom-feeding fish that stacks up around reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure, offering steady action and a reliable bite all summer long.
They may not be the biggest fighters in the ocean, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and attitude. Once you find a school, it’s often nonstop hookups on light tackle, making them a favorite for both beginners and seasoned anglers looking for fast-paced fishing and a great table fare bonus.
Simple rigs, small hooks, and natural bait like clam or squid are all you need to get in on the action—making porgy fishing one of the most accessible and fun trips on the water.
Coastwide Federal Rules (Baseline for Most States)
These are the standard regulations most Northeast states build off of:
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Minimum size: 10 inches
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Bag limit: 30–40 fish per person per day (varies slightly by year/sector)
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Season: Open year-round in federal waters, with state-managed seasons applied closer to shore (NOAA Fisheries) (NOAA Fisheries)
Northeast State Breakdown
Massachusetts
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Size: ~9.5–10" depending on season
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Bag: Typically 30–40 fish
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Season: Spring through fall, split openings common
Rhode Island
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Size: ~9.5–10"
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Bag: ~30–50 fish depending on period
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Season: Split seasons (spring/summer/fall blocks)
Connecticut
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Size: ~10"
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Bag: ~30–50 fish
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Season: Multiple seasonal segments, usually spring–fall
New York
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Size: ~9.5–10"
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Bag: ~30–50 fish
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Season: Typically May–October with split windows
New Jersey
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Size: ~9"–10" range
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Bag: ~50 fish in peak season periods
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Season: May–late fall, often split by quota periods
