Massachusetts Fishing License

MA Fishing License Information

The big change ...

Saltwater fishing licenses are now required in Massachusetts.

Back in what I now fondly remember as "the good old days", it was easy.

Freshwater fishing required a license - saltwater fishing did not.

Then came January 1, 2011, and the advent of the MA recreational saltwater fishing permit requirement.

What that means, in a nutshell, is:

If you're going to fish both fresh and salt water, you'll need two Massachusetts fishing licenses.

Yes - two licenses!

One for freshwater and one for salt.

Cousin Jim and His Bluefish
Cape Cod, MA - Aug. 2008


Is there such a thing as a "combination" freshwater and saltwater fishing license in Massachusetts?

You know - one license for those of us who like to fish both the sweet and the briney?

Of course not. That'd be much too simple. And it's the government we're talking about here. They never make anything easy, do they? (But I digress. Sorry!)

So, here's the deal on the various Massachusetts fishing license requirements ...

Who Needs a License

If you're 15 years of age or older, you'll need a freshwater license.

Where to Buy One

You can get your fresh water Massachusetts fishing license at most tackle shops, at many City or Town Clerk's offices, and online at MassFishHunt.

How Much They Cost

This is the 2012 fee schedule published by MassWildlife:

• Resident Citizen/Alien - $27.50


• Resident Citizen Minor Age 15-17 - FREE


• Resident Citizen Age 65-69 - $16.25


• Resident Citizen Age 70 or over - FREE


• Non-Resident Citizen/Alien - $37.50


• Non-Resident Citizen/Alien (3 day) - $23.50


• Resident Citizen/Alien (3 day) - $12.50


• Non-Resident Citizen/Alien Minor Age 15-17 - $11.50


• Disabled Massachusetts residents (blind, paraplegic, and intellectually disabled) may qualify for a free MA freshwater fishing license.

  To qualify for the free freshwater Massachusetts fishing license on account of a disability: (1) you must be a resident citizen of the US; (2) you must have been a legal resident in Massachusetts for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before applying; and (3) you must submit proper medical proof of disability along with your license application.

  Note: If this is your first time applying for a MA resident disabled fishing license, you'll have to submit your application and a letter from your physician directly to the Boston office of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. (Click here to download an application in PDF format)

• Expect to pay an additional $5 "Wildlands Stamp" fee when you buy your license.

  Also, City and Town Clerks are required to add an additional $1.00 to the base fee of each license they sell. And retail agents are allowed to add up to an additional $1.50.



• All MA freshwater fishing licenses expire at the end of December in the year of purchase.


• Contact Mass. Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife at (617) 626-1500 or go to www.mass.gov/masswildlife for more information.

• If you're fishing on a permitted for-hire vessel (i.e., a licensed charter boat or head boat), the boat's license will cover you. You won't need your own.


• If you're a resident of, and have recreational saltwater fishing permit from, a state that has a reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts, that permit will cover you while fishing in Massachusetts marine waters. (As of February 17, 2011, Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.)


• If you are finfishing exclusively in federal waters and possess a Highly Migratory Species permit, you do not need a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit as long as you do not land any fish in Massachusetts. If you retain fish and bring them back into Massachusetts state waters, or you fish in Massachusetts state waters, then you must have the Massachusetts saltwater permit.


• If you're aged 60 or over, or disabled, you'll still need the permit - but for you, it's free.

1. Buy it online (with a credit card) at MassFishHunt.

This is how I do it. And the good thing about the MassFishHunt website is that you can buy both your MA saltwater fishing permit and your fresh water Massachusetts fishing license there. Kinda like one stop shopping.

2. Buy it by phone (with a credit card) by calling 1-866-703-1925 anytime from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

For those of you who're squeamish about entering your credit card info online, this is a good way to go.

3. Submit a paper application and your payment to the Division of Marine Fisheries by snail mail, or deliver them in person to the DMF office in Boston, Glouster, New Bedford or Martha's Vineyard.

Not the quickest or easiest options, in my humble opinion, but if it works for you - go for it!

How Much They Cost

The cost for a 2012 saltwater fishing permit is $10. They're valid for a calendar year, expiring on December 31st.

More About the Saltwater Massachusetts Fishing License

For more information about the MA saltwater fishing permit requirements, visit the visit the Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries website, or call the DMF at (617) 626-1520.


Tight Lines to One and All!!