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Massachusetts

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

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

Free Saltwater Fishing Weekend

June 17 & 18

*No permit needed

To Obtain a 2023 Massachusetts Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit:

Visit our website at: massfishhunt.mass.gov

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:

[email protected]

or call:

Gloucester – (978) 282-0308
New Bedford – (508) 990-2860