BAIT
It is unlawful to take baitfish for the purpose
of sale from the inland waters of the Commonwealth. Individuals trapping fish for personal use as bait fish may use only one trap.
BAITFISH may be taken by licensed anglers
at any time for personal use by all lawful
methods, including a rectangular net not
exceeding 36 square feet of net area or by a
hoop or circular net not exceeding 6 feet in
diameter or with a fish trap with openings
not exceeding one inch. Nets designed to
gill fish are prohibited. Only the fish species
listed below may be taken for personal use
as bait, live or dead, by licensed anglers.
Banded Killifish
Fallfish
Fathead Minnow
Golden Shiner
Mummichog
Pumpkinseed
Rainbow Smelt*
Yellow Perch
White Sucker

• SMELT may be taken only by hook and line.
  Using smelt as bait in inland waters outside
  of the smelt season is prohibited.
  HERRING: For regulations on herring contact the Division of Marine Fisheries, (617)
  626-1520 or mass.gov/marinefisheries

Fishing: reptiles and amphibians

A fishing license is required to take bullfrogs, green frogs, wood frogs, pickerel frogs, or snapping turtles.

 A freshwater fishing license is required.  Bullfrogs, green frogs, wood frogs, and pickerel frogs may be taken by hand or by hand-held dip net. Snapping turtles may be taken by hand, hand-held dip net, or gaff.

source of post 2020 MA Guide to Fishing & Hunting