How to get
- Online + You can buy your saltwater fishing permit by accessing the MassFishHunt portal.
- By mail + Download the paper application for recreational saltwater fishing permit.
- In person + You can get your permit in person at our Boston, Gloucester, or New Bedford offices.
Can you get a fishing license online in Massachusetts?
You must contact the area Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at (413) 447-9789 or You may purchase licenses online at www.mass.gov/masswildlife.
Can you fish without a license in Massachusetts?
Before you cast your line, you need to get a fishing license if you’re age 15 or older. If you are 15 years of age or older, you need a license to fish. Licenses are FREE for Massachusetts residents 15-17 years of age, and those 70 and over. You can get your license online using MassFishHunt.
How much is it for a fishing license in Massachusetts?
Freshwater fishing license fees
License Type |
Price |
Resident Fishing1 |
$26.00 |
Resident Minor Fishing (Citizen, Age 15–17)1
|
FREE |
Resident Fishing (Citizen, Age 65–69)1
|
$13.00 |
Resident Fishing (Citizen, Age 70 or over) Or paraplegic, blind, intellectually disabled2
|
FREE |
How do I get a fishing license in MA? – Related Questions
How much is a ticket for fishing without a license in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts. State law in Massachusetts enforces fines from $50 to $100, or can even lead up to a 30-day jail time. You could also pay a penalty of $5 per fish and $2,000 for an endangered fish species. Instead, look into obtaining your fishing license in Massachusetts!
How long is a MA fishing license good for?
All 365-day sport fishing licenses purchased between November 15 and December 31, 2022, will be valid for use January 1 through December 31, 2023. Licenses purchased after January 1, 2023, will be valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
How much is a 1 day fishing license in Massachusetts?
A Quabbin 1-day fishing license is $5. Saltwater permits are $10 for anglers under 60 and free for those 60 and over. There may be additional administrative fees depending on where you purchase your license. Online transactions have an additional administrative fee of $1.45 per license plus a 2% convenience fee.
Can I get a fishing license at Walmart in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can buy a perfectly legal fishing license from any US-based Walmart by speaking to the staff in the Sports & Outdoors section. Expect to pay between $11 and $40, depending on the state, your age, and how long the license will be valid for.
How much does it cost to go deep sea fishing in Massachusetts?
Prices – Single- and multiple-day deep sea fishing trips range between $170-$480 per person, depending on tour choice. Local fishing trips are $28-$55 per person, depending on age and tour choice. Rod rentals range from $4-$40 each, depending on type.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in the ocean in Massachusetts?
Saltwater Fishing
If you’re age 16 or older, you’ll need a Mass. saltwater fishing permit to fish in Massachusetts marine waters, including up to the first dam in rivers and streams that flow to the ocean.
What happens if you get caught fishing without a license in MA?
shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both such fine and imprisonment.
How many hooks can you fish with in Massachusetts?
Hooks can be on any combination of tip-ups or jig sticks, but no more than five hooks are allowed in total. Anglers must be able to tend their own hooks (tip-ups or jig sticks).
How many rods can you fish with in Massachusetts?
It is legal to fish with 2 rods in Massachusetts. In Michigan, you can use 2 rods but some bodies of water have restrictions. Check for restrictions in the body of water you will be fishing.
Are circle hooks mandatory in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts fishermen are required to use circle hooks when fishing with whole or cut natural baits.
Can you fish with corn in Massachusetts?
All fish caught must be released. Fishing allowed with artificial lures only. The use of natural or artificial baits such as worms, shiners or other live bait, cheese, corn, or salmon or other fish eggs is prohibited.
How many fish can you catch and keep?
The daily bag and possession limit is five fish in any combination of species. The minimum size limit is 14 inches total length or 10 inches alternate length.
Do hooks hurt fish?
Hook wounds may appear minor to anglers, but damage to the gills, eyes, or internal organs can be fatal. If the fish is hooked deep in the throat or gut, research shows that it is best to cut the leader at the hook and leave the hook in the fish. Prolonged attempts to remove the hook often do more harm than good.
What happens to hooks left in fish?
A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. But fish’s stomachs are pretty tough. They can stand up to the spines on little fish like bluegill or pinfish.
Do fish heal from hooks?
Hook wounds were detected in 100 percent of angled bass on the day of angling and were still observed on greater than 90 percent of bass seven days after capture. In May, 27 percent of hook wounds were healed within six days, but only 12 percent were healed within six days during July.
Can a fish survive in milk?
The differences in acidity and dissolved oxygen, not to mention all of the fat, proteins, carbohydrates, and other minerals in the milk that might clog the creature’s gills, would quickly spell trouble. The animal would likely die within minutes, if not sooner.