If you’re a Massachusetts resident or visitor planning to go saltwater fishing in 2024, you might be wondering if your Massachusetts saltwater fishing license is valid in other New England states. The good news is that Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with several neighboring states, allowing anglers to fish with their MA license in certain waters.
Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing License Reciprocity in 2024
In 2024, Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with the following New England states:
New Hampshire: MA to NH and NH to MA
Rhode Island: MA to RI and RI to MA
Connecticut: MA to CT and CT to MA
Maine: MA to ME only
These agreements allow Massachusetts recreational saltwater permit holders to fish in the marine waters of NH, RI, CT, and ME, with some exceptions and limitations. It’s important to note that regulations and restrictions may vary from state to state, so anglers should familiarize themselves with the specific rules and regulations of each state they plan to fish in.
Fishing with a Massachusetts License in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut
If you have a valid Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit in 2024, you can use it to fish in the marine waters of New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. This reciprocity agreement allows anglers to fish in these states without needing to purchase an additional license.
However, it’s crucial to remember that while your Massachusetts license is valid in these states, you must still follow the regulations and restrictions of the state you’re fishing in. This includes size limits, bag limits, and any other specific rules that apply to the species you’re targeting.
Fishing with a Massachusetts License in Maine
The reciprocity agreement between Massachusetts and Maine is slightly different. In 2024, Massachusetts anglers can use their MA license to fish in Maine’s marine waters, but Maine anglers cannot use their license to fish in Massachusetts.
Additionally, there are some specific rules and restrictions that apply to anglers fishing in Maine with a Massachusetts license. For example, anglers must use single-pointed hooks when fishing for Atlantic salmon, and there are restrictions on the use of live bait in certain waters.
It’s important to check the Maine Department of Marine Resources website for the most up-to-date information on regulations and restrictions for anglers fishing with a Massachusetts license.
Conclusion
In summary, if you have a valid Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit in 2024, you can use it to fish in the marine waters of New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maine, with some limitations. While these reciprocity agreements make it easier for anglers to fish in multiple states, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and restrictions of each state to ensure you’re fishing legally and responsibly.