Massachusetts Striped Bass Association

You can download a Saltwater Fishing Permit application by CLICKING HERE, fill it in and mail it directly to the

MA Division of Marine Fisheries (CLICK HERE for a list of their locations).

 

OR, you can purchase a permit online:

What You'll Need to Buy a Permit Online

1. Date of Birth

2. A primary Phone Number where the permit holder can be reached

3. VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express Credit Card

4. A Printer to print your permit

5. An email address is highly recommended but not required

 

CLICK HERE to purchase your permit online

 

 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PERMIT

Who needs the MA Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit?
In order to fish recreationally for finfish in Massachusetts marine waters, including up to the first upstream bridge in rivers and streams that flow to the ocean, saltwater fishermen  must have:

• A MA Recreational Saltwater Fishing permit, or

• A recreational saltwater fishing permit from a state that has a reciprocity agreement with Massachusetts.  

 

As of February 17, 2011, Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with:    

          New Hampshire: MA to NH    NH to MA      

          Rhode Island:       MA to RI      RI to MA      

          Connecticut:         MA to CT     CT to MA 

 

What is the cost of the MA Permit?
The annual cost for both residents and non-residents is $10.

 

Who does not need a permit?
No permit is required for:

• Fishermen who are under 16 years of age

• Fishermen fishing on permitted for-hire vessels

• Fishermen who regardless of their age, otherwise meet the definition of a disabled person in M.G.L. c. 19C

 

What about people 60 and older?
People 60 and older must obtain a permit but the permit is free for these individuals (although a small fee will be charged by the vendor to process the permit through the internet).