Saltwater Fishing Permit

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)

Reciprocity

• All permitted MA residents may fish in the three neighboring coastal states (NH, RI, CT)
• Permitted anglers from these three neighboring coastal states may also fish in MA waters

Permit Fee

• The fee for an individual angler (resident or non-resident) is $10
• No charge for anglers age 60 or over

How Will the Permit Fee
Money be Used?

All money from permit fees are 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 anglers
• Development and implementation of education materials for the public
• Other marine recreational fishing programs approved by the recreational fishing development panel