Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish in Rhode Island’s Salt Waters in 2024?

If you plan to fish recreationally for finfish in Rhode Island’s marine waters in 2024, you’ll need to have one of the following: a RI Recreational Saltwater Fishing License, a National Saltwater Angler Registration, or a recreational saltwater fishing license from a reciprocal state.

Rhode Island Recreational Saltwater Fishing License

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) offers a Recreational Saltwater Fishing License for both residents and non-residents. The cost of a yearly license is $7 for Rhode Island residents and $10 for non-residents. A temporary seven-day RI license is also available for both residents and non-residents, costing $5.

Licenses can be purchased online through the RI DEM website or from participating vendors throughout the state, including several bait and tackle shops. The license applies to all RI waters, all offshore federal waters, and all neighboring state waters for finfish and squid.

Certain individuals are exempt from obtaining a license, including anglers who are under 16 years of age, anglers fishing on licensed party or charter boats, anglers who hold a license from a reciprocal state, anglers who hold a NOAA Fisheries registration, anglers who hold Highly Migratory Species Angling Permits, anglers who are on leave from active military duty, and anglers who are blind or permanently disabled.

National Saltwater Angler Registration

Anglers who do not have a RI Recreational Saltwater Fishing License or a license from a reciprocal state can obtain a National Saltwater Angler Registration.

Reciprocal States

Rhode Island honors recreational saltwater fishing licenses from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine. Anglers who hold a valid license from one of these states can fish in Rhode Island’s marine waters without purchasing an additional RI license.

Conversely, Rhode Island residents may use their RI Recreational Saltwater Fishing License to fish in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine.

Importance of Fishing Licenses

Purchasing a Rhode Island fishing license helps to protect and preserve the sport of fishing for years to come. The fees collected from fishing licenses go toward fishery management, habitat development, endangered species programs, and conservation education.

By following the fishing regulations and purchasing the necessary licenses, anglers can enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities in Rhode Island’s salt waters while contributing to the sustainability of the state’s marine resources.