Saltwater Fishing Permit

Who Needs a Permit?

• All fishermen age 16 or older that wish to engage in the recreational activity of finfishing
• Fishermen age 60 or over need a permit but there is no charge

Exemptions

The following individuals DO NOT need a 2013 permit:

• Fishermen under 16 years of age
• Fishermen who regardless of their age otherwise meet the definition of a disabled person in M.G.L. c. 19C
• Fishermen fishing on permitted for-hire vessels (charter/head boat)

Reciprocity

• All permitted MA residents will be able to fish in the three neighboring coastal states (NH, RI, CT)
• Permitted fishermen from these three neighboring coastal states will also be able to fish in MA waters

Permit Fee

The fee for an individual fisherman (resident or non-resident) is $10

How will the permit fee money be used?

All money from permit fees will be deposited into a dedicated account and can only be used for implementing projects that will enhance recreational saltwater fishing including:

• Improvement of public access for recreational saltwater fishermen
• Development and implementation of education materials for the public
• Other marine recreational fishing programs approved by the recreational fishing development panel

To Obtain a 2013 Massachusetts Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit:

Visit our website at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries

Call toll-free from 5am-5pm: 1-866-703-1925

For a list of permit vendor locations and to view frequently asked questions, please visit our website at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries

For questions please email: marine.fish@state.ma.us

or call:

Boston – (617) 626-1520

Gloucester – (978) 282-0308 x150

New Bedford – (508) 990-2860 x150