Massachusetts South Coast: tautog limits and schoolie striper blitzes

On The Water’s Sept. 3, 2026 Massachusetts report is an embarrassment of South Coast riches. Writer and crew on Capt. Jason Colby’s Little Sister limited tautog, then stumbled into a Westport River schoolie blitz — mid-20-inch bass on almost every cast. Colby is more optimistic than in years that once water cools, Buzzards Bay blackfish will be among the state’s best bets.

The same week’s mix: stripers blitzing from Buzzards Bay through the Westport River, black sea bass still in play, and some South Shore boats running to Race Point for bass and blues. Recreational striped bass stay one fish, 28 inches to less than 31 inches. Tautog from Aug. 1–Oct. 14 is three fish at 16 inches.

Confirm DMF’s live saltwater table — black sea bass possession drops to two fish Sept. 1–Oct. 14. Do not high-grade stripers, and use inline circle hooks on natural bait.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: On The Water — Massachusetts Fishing Report, September 3, 2026.