The Complete Guide to Fishing Licenses and Regulations in Massachusetts

Fishing in Massachusetts offers a diverse range of opportunities, from freshwater to saltwater fishing. However, before you cast your line, it’s essential to understand the state’s fishing licenses and regulations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of fishing licenses, regulations, seasons, and how to obtain a fishing license in Massachusetts.

License Types

In Massachusetts, fishing licenses are divided into two main categories: freshwater and saltwater licenses. The fees and age requirements for these licenses vary depending on the angler’s residency status and age.

Freshwater Fishing Licenses:

• Resident Fishing License: $29.50
• Resident Minor Fishing License (Age 15–17): FREE
• Resident Fishing License (Age 65–69): $14.75
• Resident Fishing License (Age 70 or over): FREE
• Non-resident Fishing License: $39.50
• Non-resident Minor Fishing License (Age 15–17): $7.10
• Resident Fishing (3-day) License: $12.50
• Non-resident Fishing (3-day) License: $23.30

Saltwater Fishing Permits:

• Saltwater Fishing Permit (anglers under 60): $10.00
• Saltwater Fishing Permit (anglers 60 and over): FREE

Please note that a $5 “Wildlands Conservation Stamp” is added to the first resident license purchased each year and all non-resident licenses .

Massachusetts fishing licenses can be purchased online through the MassFishHunt portal or in person at license agent locations, which include select retail stores and MassWildlife offices . If you buy your license online, you can print your own copy or display it on your smartphone. If you buy your license in person, you will receive a paper copy at the time of your purchase .

Fishing Regulations and Limits in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, from saltwater fishing along its 1,500 miles of coastline to freshwater fishing in its numerous lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, and rivers. However, to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect the aquatic ecosystem, the state has implemented specific fishing regulations and limits. These regulations include size limits, possession limits, and fishing seasons for various species.

Saltwater Fishing Regulations

For saltwater fishing, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) provides up-to-date regulations for various species. For instance, the Striped Bass, a popular species among anglers, has a size limit of 28″ to less than 31″, and anglers can only keep one fish per day, year-round.

Another popular species, the Tautog, has a minimum size limit of 16″, and only one fish may exceed 21″. The fishing season for Tautog varies throughout the year, with different possession limits depending on the season.

It’s important to note that these regulations are subject to change, and anglers should check the official DMF website for the most current information.

Freshwater Fishing Regulations

For freshwater fishing, anglers aged 15 years or older need a license to fish. Licenses are free for anglers aged 15-17 and those aged 70 and older.

The state has specific regulations for various freshwater species. For example, the Trout fishing season runs from January 1 to December 31, with a daily creel limit of 3 fish. The minimum length for Trout varies depending on the location.

The Black Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth) fishing season also runs year-round, with a daily creel limit of 5 fish and a minimum length of 12″.

Striped Bass Regulations

The Striped Bass is a key species in Massachusetts, and its regulations have been updated recently due to concerns about overfishing. In 2023, the DMF adopted new regulations allowing recreational anglers to take one fish per day within a new slot limit of 28″ to less than 31″. This change was made to protect the 2015 year-class of Striped Bass, which is crucial for the future of the species.

Trout Fishing Regulations

For Trout fishing, the regulations vary depending on the location. In lakes, ponds, and major rivers, the fishing season runs year-round, with a daily creel limit of 3 fish. In all other rivers and brooks, the season runs from April 1 to September 10, with a daily creel limit of 8 fish.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, it’s essential to understand and follow the fishing regulations and limits in Massachusetts. These rules are designed to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect the state’s diverse aquatic ecosystems. Always check the official DMF website for the most current information before heading out to fish.

Fishing Seasons in Massachusetts

Fishing seasons in Massachusetts vary depending on the species and the type of fishing. Here are some examples of popular species and their respective seasons:

Freshwater Fishing Seasons:

• Trout: In lakes, ponds, and major rivers, the fishing season runs year-round, with a daily creel limit of 3 fish. In all other rivers and brooks, the season runs from April 1 to September 10, with a daily creel limit of 8 fish.
• Black Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): The fishing season runs year-round, with a daily creel limit of 5 fish and a minimum length of 12″.
• Northern Pike: The fishing season runs year-round, with a daily creel limit of 1 fish and a minimum length of 28″.

Saltwater Fishing Seasons:

• Black Sea Bass: The fishing season runs from May 20 to September 7.
• Bluefish: The fishing season runs year-round.
• Cod (Gulf of Maine): The fishing season is from September 1 to October 7 and April 1 to April 15.
• Striped Bass: The fishing season is year-round, with a size limit of 28″ to less than 31″ and a possession limit of 1 fish.
• Tautog: The fishing season varies throughout the year, with different possession limits depending on the season.

It’s important to note that these seasons are subject to change, and anglers should check the official Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) website and the Massachusetts Freshwater Fishing Regulations for the most current information.

Obtaining a Fishing License in Massachusetts

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to cast your first line, obtaining a fishing license in Massachusetts is a crucial step. This guide will provide you with comprehensive information on how to Get your fishing license, the costs involved, and the benefits your license fee contributes to.

Why Do You Need a Fishing License?

A fishing license is a regulatory or legal mechanism that allows you to fish in public bodies of water. It’s a way of ensuring that fishing activities are conducted in a sustainable manner, protecting fish populations and their habitats for future generations. Fishing licenses are essential for conservation efforts, habitat restoration, research, fish stocking, and public access to fishing opportunities.

Who Needs a Fishing License?

In Massachusetts, anyone aged 15 or older, whether a resident or non-resident, is required to have a fishing license. However, there are exceptions for anglers under 16, anglers fishing on permitted for-hire vessels, anglers who meet the definition of a disabled person, and non-residents with a valid CT, NH, or RI recreational saltwater fishing permit.

How to Obtain a Fishing License

There are several ways to obtain a fishing license in Massachusetts:

1. Online: You can purchase your fishing license online through the MassFishHunt system, the official licensing system for Massachusetts.
2. In Person: Licenses can also be purchased in person at license agent locations such as select retail stores and MassWildlife Offices.
3. By Mail: You can mail your application along with the required documents to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
4. By Phone: You can also call the MassFishHunt hotline to order a fishing license.

Types of Fishing Licenses

There are two main types of fishing licenses in Massachusetts: Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing Licenses.

• Freshwater Fishing License: This license allows you to fish in freshwater bodies. The cost varies depending on your age and residency status. For instance, resident freshwater licensing fees are free for 15–17-year-olds, $26 for a regular license, $13 for ages 65-69, and free for those with certain disabilities.
• Saltwater Fishing Permit: This permit is required for fishing in saltwater bodies. The cost is $10 for anglers under 60 and free for those 60 and over. There is no cost difference for residents and non-residents.

What Does Your License Fee Support?

The fees from license sales support statewide conservation efforts. This includes habitat restoration, research, fish stocking, and public access to fishing opportunities. 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.

Important Reminders

Remember to always carry your license when fishing. You can either bring a paper copy or be prepared to display a true, complete, and legible image of your license on your smartphone if an official asks you to. Also, be aware that fishing licenses expire each year on December 31.

Obtaining a fishing license in Massachusetts is a straightforward process that contributes to the conservation of the state’s aquatic resources.

Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Understanding saltwater fishing regulations is crucial for both the sustainability of fish populations and the enjoyment of the sport. These regulations, which include species-specific rules, licensing requirements, and possession limits, are designed to protect and conserve fish populations and their habitats. They are subject to change, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest information.

Striped Bass Regulations

Striped Bass

is a popular species among recreational anglers. However, due to a significant increase in the harvest of Striped Bass in 2022, new regulations were adopted in 2023. Now, recreational anglers are allowed to take one fish per day, within a slot limit of 28″ to less than 31″, year-round. This change was implemented to prevent overfishing and ensure the sustainability of the Striped Bass population. Anglers are encouraged to practice proper fish handling and release techniques to minimize discard mortality.

Tautog Regulations

Tautog

, also known as Blackfish, is another sought-after species in saltwater fishing. Tautog are slow-growing and can live up to 35-40 years old, making them particularly vulnerable to overfishing. As such, regulations have been put in place to protect this species. The current size limit for Tautog is a minimum of 16″, with only one fish allowed to exceed 21″. The possession limit varies throughout the year, with periods of prohibition and limits ranging from 1 to 5 fish.

License and Permit Information

To fish in saltwater areas, a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit is required. This permit can be obtained through the MassFishHunt portal. The fee for anglers under 60 is $10, while there is no fee for anglers 60 years and older. However, even if there is no fee, a permit is still required.

Possession Limits and Restrictions

Possession limits and restrictions

are an integral part of fishing regulations. These rules dictate the number of fish an angler can keep, which varies depending on the species and time of year. For instance, the possession limit for Striped Bass is one fish per day, while for Tautog, it ranges from 1 to 5 fish depending on the season.

Season Dates and Size Limits

Season dates and size limits

are also species-specific. For example, Striped Bass can be fished year-round, with a size limit of 28″ to less than 31″. On the other hand, Tautog has a more complex season structure, with different possession limits throughout the year and a size limit of a minimum of 16″.

Understanding and adhering to saltwater fishing regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a responsibility for all anglers to ensure the sustainability of our marine resources. Always stay updated with the latest regulations and practice ethical fishing habits.

In conclusion, fishing in Massachusetts offers a wealth of opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. However, it’s crucial to understand the state’s fishing licenses and regulations to ensure a legal and enjoyable fishing experience.