As an avid angler, you may be wondering if your Massachusetts fishing license is valid in Maine. The answer is a bit complicated, as it depends on the type of license you hold and the specific reciprocity agreements between the two states.
Reciprocity Agreements Between Massachusetts and Maine
Massachusetts has several reciprocity agreements with neighboring states, including Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. These agreements allow anglers to fish in the marine waters of these states using a license issued by their home state.
However, the reciprocity agreement between Massachusetts and Maine is a bit different. According to the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, “Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with: 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.” This means that if you hold a Massachusetts fishing license, you can use it to fish in Maine’s marine waters, but the reverse is not true.
If you are a Maine resident or hold a Maine fishing license, you cannot use it to fish in Massachusetts waters. You would need to purchase a Massachusetts fishing license to do so.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers several types of fishing licenses, both for residents and non-residents. For freshwater fishing, licenses are available for the year, 3 days, or for specific age groups (15-17, 65-69, 70 , and disabled anglers).
For saltwater fishing, a separate permit is required for anglers aged 16-59. This permit is free for anglers aged 60 and over. The cost for anglers under 60 is $10, whether they are residents or non-residents.
It’s important to note that while licenses may be free for certain age groups or anglers with disabilities, they still need to be obtained. The only exception is for anglers under the age of 16 in freshwater and under 16 for non-residents in saltwater fishing.
Fishing in Maine with a Massachusetts License
If you hold a valid Massachusetts fishing license, you can use it to fish in Maine’s marine waters. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your Massachusetts license only allows you to fish in Maine’s marine waters, not inland waters.
- Maine has specific regulations on allowable hooks, bait, and other fishing gear that may differ from Massachusetts. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Maine’s fishing regulations before heading out.
- Your Massachusetts license does not cover you for fishing in federal waters beyond Maine’s 3-mile limit. For that, you would need a federal fishing permit.
If you plan to fish in both Massachusetts and Maine waters, it’s a good idea to purchase licenses for both states. This will ensure that you are fully covered and can enjoy fishing in both states without any legal issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you hold a valid Massachusetts fishing license, you can use it to fish in Maine’s marine waters in 2024 thanks to the reciprocity agreement between the two states. However, this agreement only works one way, so Maine residents cannot use their licenses in Massachusetts.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and requirements for each state before heading out to fish. With a little preparation and the right licenses, you can enjoy the best of both states’ fishing opportunities.