Fishing enthusiasts in Massachusetts have a variety of options when it comes to obtaining a saltwater fishing license for the year 2024. The cost of the license depends on the angler’s age and residency status.
Saltwater Fishing Permit Fees for 2024
In Massachusetts, the cost of a saltwater fishing permit for the year 2024 is as follows:
Anglers under 60 (residents and non-residents): $10
Anglers 60 and over (residents and non-residents): FREE
It’s important to note that although the permit is free for anglers 60 and over, they are still required to obtain one in order to fish in Massachusetts’ saltwater areas.
How to Obtain a Saltwater Fishing Permit in Massachusetts
There are several ways to purchase a saltwater fishing permit in Massachusetts for the year 2024:
Online: Anglers can buy their permit online through the MassFishHunt portal. This method includes a small additional administrative fee.
By Mail: Anglers can download and print the paper application for recreational saltwater fishing permits from the Division of Marine Fisheries website, fill it out, and mail it with a check payable to the Division of Marine Fisheries.
In Person: Permits can be purchased in person at the Division of Marine Fisheries offices in Gloucester or New Bedford, which are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. These offices only accept checks or money orders. Permits can also be bought at one of the approved vendor locations throughout the state.
When purchasing a permit online, anglers will need a debit or credit card, and the transaction will be indicated on their statement as “MASSFISHHUNT”.
Who Needs a Saltwater Fishing Permit in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, all anglers aged 16 and older are required to have a saltwater fishing permit, with a few exceptions:
Anglers under 16
Anglers fishing on permitted for-hire vessels (e.g., charter boats or head boats)
Anglers who meet the definition of a disabled person in M.G.L. c. 19C
Non-residents with a valid recreational saltwater fishing permit from Connecticut, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maine, allowing anglers with a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit to fish in those states’ waters as well.
Your Permit Dollars at Work
The fees collected from saltwater fishing permits in Massachusetts are dedicated to improving anglers’ experiences and supporting marine conservation efforts. Some of the ways these funds are used include:
Developing and maintaining large fishing piers and improving or repairing existing access sites
Deploying dedicated recreational artificial reefs
Providing free clinics for young anglers and developing online resources for classroom educators
Increasing the sample size for the Marine Recreational Information Program’s Access Point Angler Intercept Survey
Managing and restoring river herring populations
Studying striped bass migratory patterns and genetics
In conclusion, the cost of a saltwater fishing permit in Massachusetts for the year 2024 is $10 for anglers under 60 and free for those 60 and over. Permits can be obtained online, by mail, or in person, and the fees collected support various marine recreational fishing projects and programs throughout the state.