Recreational Saltwater Fishing License

• Available online through the Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO) system.
• Also available at select bait and tackle shops. You can find a list of authorized vendors on the Rhode Island DEM website.
• Applies in all RI waters, all offshore federal waters, and in all neighboring state waters for finfish and squid.
• Free for RI residents over 65 and for active military stationed in RI.
• No license needed for children under 16, nor for anglers on party & charter boats. See website for additional exemptions.

What Rhode Island Anglers Need to Know

In order to fish recreationally in Rhode Island marine waters, and in offshore federal waters, anglers and spearfishers must have a RI Recreational Saltwater Fishing License, OR a Federal Registration, OR a license from a reciprocal state.

Overview

The Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP, is a comprehensive nationwide data collection and reporting system being implemented by NOAA Fisheries. All RI license information, as well as that collected by NMFS and other states, will be incorporated into a national registry of recreational anglers, enabling the MRIP program to readily survey current fishermen and more accurately assess recreational catch and effort data. That information will lead to improved state-based assessments and more fair, accurate, and effective management programs for Rhode Island’s marine recreational fisheries.

Reciprocal States

Rhode Island residents may use their RI Recreational Saltwater Fishing License to fish in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine.

Saltwater Recreational Fishing License holders from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine need not obtain a RI Saltwater Recreational Fishing License if they posses a valid license from on of the states listed above.

Please refer to Lobster/Crab Regulations and Shellfish Regulations, and other recreational licenses.