Saltwater Fishing Permit

FREE Saltwater Fishing Days:
May 11 & June 15
*No Permit Needed!
Love to fish?
If you're 16 or older, you need a recreational saltwater fishing permit in Massachusetts. Whether you print your permit or have it stored on your mobile device, you must always have a version of your current fishing permit with you when saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. The process for getting your permit is the same for new, returning, and 60+ anglers. Permits expire each year on December 31.
Who Needs a Permit?
All anglers age 16 or older that wish to engage in the recreational activity of finfishing, with the following exceptions:
- Anglers who regardless of their age otherwise meet the definition of a disabled person in M.G.L. c. 19C
- Anglers fishing on permitted for-hire vessels (charter/head boat)
Permit Fee
- The fee for an individual angler (resident or non-resident) is $10
- Although there is no fee to anglers 60 years and older, you must still get a permit
Reciprocity
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with:
- New Hampshire: MA to NH and NH to MA
- Rhode Island: MA to RI and RI to MA
- Connecticut: MA to CT and CT to MA
- Maine: MA to ME only
These agreements allow MA recreational saltwater permit holders to recreationally fish in NH, RI, CT, and ME. Read each agreement for specific details. Be aware that regulations vary from state to state.
How to Get Your 2025 Massachusetts Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit
You can get your Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit online, by mail, or in person. Here’s how:
Online
You can buy your saltwater fishing permit online. MassFishHunt will walk you through getting your permit. Online permits will include a small additional administrative fee.
By Mail
Visit our Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit webpage and download and print the paper application for recreational saltwater fishing permits.
In Person
You can get your permit in person at our Gloucester or New Bedford offices. Those offices are open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday and only accept checks or money orders.
Permits can also be bought at one of our approved vendor locations. Visit online to find a location near you.
Gloucester Office
30 Emerson Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 282-0308
New Bedford Office
836 S Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
(508) 990-2860
For questions, please email or call one of our offices.
Learn more about how to get your 2025 saltwater recreational fishing permit online

