The Bay State is famous for its amazing summers, local seafood, and rich history, and the whole world knows that it’s home to MIT and Harvard. Without a doubt, Massachusetts has a lot to offer, but what can beat a fishing adventure there?
With over 1,500 miles of coastline, beautiful freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, and rivers, there are lots of fishing opportunities for any type of angler. All you need is a Massachusetts fishing license!
The Bay State is famous for its beautiful summers, prestigious universities, and of course, fantastic fishing. With over 192 miles of coastline and more freshwater fisheries than you can count, Massachusetts holds a lot of promise for every passionate angler. When the state’s nickname is the "Codfish State," you know the fishing will be one for the books. But before you start exploring all of its potential, you'll need to get a Massachusetts fishing license.
Stay with us and we'll walk you through everything there is to know about getting your license.
We'll cover the types of licenses there are, which one to pick, where to get them, and more. Let's dive straight in.
Every angler who is 15 and older, resident or non-resident, needs a valid license to fish in Massachusetts.
The price of the license depends on whether you're a state resident or not, the type of the license, as well as your age.
There are also some groups who are exempt to the rules and who can fish free of charge.
They include: Young adults under the age of 16 in saltwater and under the age of 15 in freshwater Anglers aged 70 and older Disabled individuals Individuals holding an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Permit (the “HMS Permit”) [And]
Anglers fishing on a charter boat Speaking of which, if you are planning on going out with a charter, why not go to FishingBooker.com and choose the best guide for you? Ok, so now you know whether your fishing license is free or not, but you still need to know which one to get. Keep in mind that you should have your fishing license with you at all times, regardless of whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater.
There are different types of permits you can choose from, and the categories are the same for residents and non-residents. The main difference is that freshwater licenses are cheaper for residents. In order to qualify as a resident, you must have: Permanent legal residence in the state Spent more than 183 days in Massachusetts and maintained a permanent place of residence there [Or]
Been a part-year resident who moved into or out of the state during the tax year The freshwater licenses available to residents include annual and 3-day, as well special licenses for seniors between the ages of 65–69. Non-residents can also enjoy the excellent fishing action Massachusetts has to offer. They get the same license options as residents, but at a higher price point. Freshwater anglers under the age of 15 can fish without a license.
If you're under 16 and you're fishing in saltwater, you don't need a license either. Speaking of saltwater licenses, these come in at the same price point for residents and non-residents, and they cost around $10 for anglers between the ages of 16–59. People who are 60 and older can get their saltwater license for free.
If you want to shake things up and catch some Green Crabs on your trip, you'll need to get special authorization from the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF).
Recreational lobstering also requires a permit, as does shellfishing, which you can also get at the local Division of Marine Fisheries. Finally, please remember that while there are groups who can get their license for free, they still need to have it on them while fishing.
So now that you know which type of license you need, the next step is figuring out how to get one, which is luckily the easiest part. You can buy it: Online through the MassFishHunt website, Via phone, Or in person at license agent locations and in some retail stores.
Once you have your license, make sure to bring it with you while fishing. A clear photograph of the permit on your smartphone is also acceptable.
If you lose your license, there’s no need to worry! If you bought your license online, you can easily find a digital copy on your smartphone, which you can reprint.
You can also call or visit one of the MassFishHunt offices and have it sorted. Massachusetts gets along well with its neighbors, so there are several reciprocity agreements from which you can benefit. Along
with your Massachusetts saltwater fishing license, you can also fish in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. In the same way, if you hold a saltwater fishing license issued in any of these states, you don’t have to get a Massachusetts one.
With a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit, you can also fish in Maine’s waters, but not vice versa. And that about covers it.
Today we learned that: Everyone who is 15 and older, resident and non-resident, needs a Massachusetts fishing license You need different licenses for freshwater and saltwater fishing, and the same license options are available both for residents and non-residents You can buy your license online or in person [And]
With a Massachusetts permit, you can fish in the waters of New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut As you can see, getting a Massachusetts fishing license is pretty easy! Now that you've got a general idea of how things work, you're ready for your fishing trip. And that's it, your angling adventures in the Codfish State can officially begin!
So, you’ve decided to cast a line but have no idea what permit or license you need to make sure you are fishing within the law. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about all the necessary fishing licenses of the “Cod State.”
Check out our full list of licensing guides here if you are looking for info on the US.
Who needs a fishing license in Massachusetts?
In short, if you are aged 15 or older, resident or non-resident, you will need a license to fish in Massachusetts. However, there are some exceptions where residents of the state can fish without a license or get one for free. More on this in the next section.
Fees vary depending on the length and type of the license, as well as your age. When you purchase a fishing license, that money will be used to support various marine recreational fishing projects and programs, according to MassWildlife.
Information for Residents
If you are a Massachusetts resident, there are various types of fishing licenses you can choose from. There’s an option for any angler, whether you are looking to spend a couple of days exploring the local rivers and lakes or just planning a short fishing trip to the Atlantic Ocean.
Your Massachusetts fishing license allows you to fish in the marine waters (including those that flow up to 3 nautical miles from the coastline between the first upstream bridge over streams or rivers and the ocean) and up to 200 from the coast.
Note that you will have to buy separate permits for your saltwater and freshwater fishing adventures. A combination type of license is not available.
Who’s considered a Massachusetts resident?
You qualify as a legal resident if you:
Are domiciled* in the state for the entire tax year;
Spend more than 183 days in Massachusetts and maintain a permanent place of residence (not counting the days spent in the state while on active duty in the armed forces);
Are a part-year resident who moved into or out of the state during the tax year.
*your domicile is your permanent legal residence/home
Costs for Residents
Note that although licenses are free for Massachusetts residents aged 15–17 or 70 and over, along with anglers with disabilities, they still need to get a permit. The only residents who don’t need a license are anglers under 16.
Please note that there’s a $5.00 Wildlands Conservation Stamp that will be added to the first resident license.
Resident License Type
Cost
Year-long
$36.50
3-Day
$17.50
Ages 65-69
$18.25
Ages 15-17 or 70+, as well as paraplegic, blind, intellectually disabled
$0
Information for Non-Residents
If you are not a resident of Massachusetts and just want to book a fishing trip there, you have a lot of options. However, you will still need to purchase a non-resident permit in order to fish in the state – unless you are under the age of 15.
Costs for Non-Residents
Please note that there’s a $5.00 Wildlands Conservation Stamp that will be added to the non-resident licenses.
Non-Resident License Type
Cost
Year-long
$46.50
3-Day
$28.10
Ages 15-17
$7.70
What about saltwater?
A Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing license is available for anglers aged 16–59. Just like the freshwater one, this license is free of charge for people over the age of 60.
Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with various other states, including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. That means that if you hold a saltwater fishing license issued in any of these states, you don’t have to get a Massachusetts one.
With a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit you can also go to the waters of Maine, but not vice versa.
Age
Cost
< 60 (Residents & Non-residents)
$10
60+ (Residents & Non-residents)
$0
Who can fish without a license?
As we mentioned before, licenses might be free for some anglers, but still, need to be purchased. It’s only fair to wonder, can anyone fish without a license at all? The answer is – yes.
So, you don’t need a Massachusetts fishing license if you:
Are a minor under the age of 16 (or 15 for freshwater);
Are planning on booking a fishing charter with a licensed captain. The boat’s license will cover you.
Hold the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Permit (the “HMS Permit”) – a government-issued permit that allows anglers to fin-fish (and not land any fish) exclusively in federal waters.
Additional Requirements
If you’re planning to spice up your fishing adventure and harvest green crabs recreationally, you will need to be authorized by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Recreational lobstering also requires a permit, along with shellfishing (you can get it at the local Division of Marine Fisheries).
Where to Buy Your Massachusetts Fishing License
There are different ways of getting your Massachusetts fishing license for both residents and non-residents. Once you have it, make sure to bring it with you while fishing. A true and legible image of your permit on your smartphone is also acceptable.
Here’s how you can get your license:
Online: on MassFishHunt. Note that there will be a small service fee.
If you lose your license – no problem! You can print a duplicate copy by calling/visiting one of the MassFishHunt offices or online. If you bought your license online, you can find a digital copy on your smartphone.
Do I have to renew my license?
Massachusetts fishing licenses expire each year on December 31. You can easily renew it online.
How do anglers with disabilities get their free license?
Anglers should fill out an application for the free license and submit a form certifying the intellectual disability or paraplegia (or a Certificate of Blindness issued by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.) The documents should be mailed to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (ATTN: Licensing, 251 Causeway St., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114.) Once the license is ready, it will be mailed to you.
That’s all! We’ve tried to cover all the information you’ll need to legally fish in Massachusetts. However, if you still have questions, get in touch with your local MassFishHunt office. Also, feel free to leave us a comment below. Get your license, find a guide near you, and get ready to cast a line!
Lisa traded the lecture hall for the vast expanse of the world's waters, transforming her love of teaching into an insatiable passion for angling and storytelling. She would sail through oceans, lakes, and rivers, reeling in the world’s fish stories one catch at a time.
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Comments (9)
Shawn fanion
March 24, 2025
Mar 24, 2025
I am disabled but they say I am not cost license alot I am not able to work because I not deaf dumb blind or fully disabled I can’t stand long period of time walk to far my organs are failings that’s not disable I have to pay that not right I called to talk to agent lady hung up on me this is not right
James Leo regal
August 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
Is freshwater fishing license also reciprocal with New Hampshire?
Tanya
Replied on
August 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
Yes, the reciprocal fishing license applies to the following NH-MA interstate waters: Bent Pond, Long Pond, Lake Monomonac, Robbins Pond, and Tuxbury Pond.
View all replies
Bydand
April 15, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
The selection of licenses and the summary provided in the cart are disconnected from the selection process so I’m not sure whether I’m buying too much or too little.
I hunt with a bow in the fall, which I understand includes a $5 surcharge, but there is a “Wildlands stamp” for $5 (what’s that?) and a “Sporting” charge. (what’s that?).
When it is so unclear for users to discern what they’re buying, it makes the process excessively tedious and time consuming. I had to empty the cart three times to re-check, and re-buy, to make sure I was getting the permits the environmental police and other regulators require.
Suggestion: Just use the same language to make it clear to sportsmen: “Freshwater fishing”; “Saltwater fishing”; “:Hunting”; “Hunting with a bow”. Maybe reverse engineer from “state-speak” to “customer speak” in web license purchase and license processing.
Still didn’t see “Black powder hunting”. Gosh I hope that’s in one of these categories.
Tanya
Replied on
April 16, 2024
Apr 16, 2024
Hi there! Thanks for reading our blog and sharing your thoughts and challenges with us. We absolutely agree it would be way easier if everything is aligned on all fronts and all pages across https://www.mass.gov/ website when buying your fishing and hunting licenses. That is why we shared your feedback with them in hope they’ll take it into consideration, but we recommend that you do the same. You can go to their https://www.mass.gov/buy-fishing-or-hunting-licenses#feedback page and at the bottom where it says “Help Us Improve Mass.gov” click “No” and share your thoughts with them the same way you did with us. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to them directly at (508) 389-6300 or via [email protected] and consult further. And we’ll make sure we align our blog language and license types with what they officially have displayed on their website. Hope this helped. Let us know how it went. Tight lines!
