Complete Guide to Massachusetts Fishing Licenses

If you’re planning a fishing trip or holiday to Massachusetts or just live in the state and fancy casting a few lures, then you need to have the correct fishing license. With both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abundant, you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to angling activity.

In the following guide to buying a fishing license in Massachusetts, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

If you plan on heading out for a fish in Massachusetts, check out Master Bass Fishing: A Comprehensive How-To Guide for Bass Fishing!

If you want to discover the greatest angling locations in Massachusetts, even an experienced angler will need a little help. You’ll need the premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App. Thanks to the Fishbox App, you’ll know the perfect time to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing with a good book at home.

Types of Massachusetts Fishing Licenses

Massachusetts offers both a freshwater and a saltwater fishing license to residents and non-residents. If you’re planning on going fishing, you’ll need to ensure that you have the correct permit.

2024 Massachusetts Freshwater Fishing Licenses 

Annual Fishing Licenses

• Resident 
• Resident Minor (Ages 15-17)
• Resident (Ages 65-69)
• Resident (Ages 70 +) or paraplegic, blind, or intellectually disabled
• Non-Resident 
• Non-Resident Minor (Ages 15-17)

Daily Fishing Licenses 

• Resident (3-day)
• Non-Resident (3-day) 

Quabbin Reservoir 1-Day Fishing License

2024 Saltwater Fishing Permits 

• Saltwater Fishing Permit (Ages 59 and under)
• Saltwater Fishing Permit (Ages 60 and over)

Cost of Fishing Licenses in Massachusetts

All of the funds collected from freshwater Massachusetts fishing licenses and permits go back into directly funding the Massachusetts Inland Fish and Game Fund, which can only be used to fund the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (Mass Wildlife) services and programs.

Fees collected from saltwater Massachusetts fishing licenses and permits go into the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund, which is administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries.

2024 Massachusetts Freshwater Fishing Licenses 

Annual Fishing Licenses

• Resident – $33
• Resident Minor (Ages 15-17) – Free
• Resident (Ages 65-69) – $16.50
• Resident (Ages 70 +) or paraplegic, blind, or intellectually disabled – Free
• Non-Resident – $43
• Non-Resident Minor (Ages 15-17) – $7.40

Daily Fishing Licenses 

• Resident (3-day) – $15
• Non-Resident (3-day) – $25.70

Quabbin Reservoir 1-Day – $5

2024 Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Licenses 

• Saltwater Permit (Ages 59 and under) – $10
• Saltwater Permit (Ages 60 and over) – Free

It’s important to note that prices listed do not include the $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp, which is added to the first Resident License and all Non-Resident permits.

Discounted Angling Permits are only available to United States citizens.

Age Requirements for Fishing License

Anyone aged over 15 is required to have both a freshwater and a saltwater angling permit to fish in the state of Massachusetts. However, if you are aged between 15-17, and a resident, your Massachusetts angling permit is free.

All angling licenses that are purchased in Massachusetts are valid from the time of purchase until the end of the year.

Please note, if you are aged over 15 and are helping someone aged under 15 to fish, then you are required to have an angling permit.

By purchasing an angling permit, along with following the size, season, and bag limits, we’re all ensuring that we are contributing to the continued improvement of the fishery.

Where to Obtain a Massachusetts Fishing License

Purchasing a freshwater or saltwater permit is easy. You can purchase your permit online by visiting the MassFishHunt website. If you can’t purchase your angling license online, you can purchase one in person at a licensed vendor location. To see the full list of Fishing License Vendors, click here.

Check out the Massachusetts Division of Wildlife and Fisheries to learn more about their Freshwater and Saltwater permits, along with other FAQs about freshwater and saltwater angling in Massachusetts.

Complete Guide to Massachusetts Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

There you go! Everything you wanted to know about Massachusetts fishing licenses, including the different types of angling permits that you’ll need, the costs of licenses, and how to purchase a license when you’re planning your next holiday or destination angling trip.

The technology in the Fishbox App will allow you to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best times to hit the water when planning your fishing trip in Massachusetts. Fishbox App combines predictive fish behavior with weather, lunar, and tidal conditions to deliver optimal Massachusetts freshwater fishing opportunities.

The Fishbox App was developed in collaboration with accurate weather data and expert fish behavioral analysis. These advanced forecasts will significantly increase your catch rate while reducing your time on the water.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Massachusetts, including where to buy a Massachusetts fishing license, please don’t hesitate to comment below! We love to hear thoughts and feedback from our readers.