Saltwater Fishing Licenses

Saltwater fishing licenses are required for most all anglers (some exceptions for children and others, see links below.)  I am trying to make all links on this page go directly to a state government website.  Please suggest alternate links if you know of any.

Massachusetts
  • Buy a license, required for anyone 16 years old and older, $10 (16-59 years old), free license if over 60 years old
  • Regulations by fish species
  • reciprocity with Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut:  If you buy a MA license, you are good to fish in all New England Coastal Waters.  Check the local fishing regulations in each state.  Maine in particular has specific rules on allowable hooks, etc.

New Hampshire
  • Buy a license, $11
  • Regulations by fish species 
  • reciprocity with Massachusetts and Maine is addressed on the FAQs page.  A NH license is also good in MA and ME, no other states
  • If you are a NH resident, you need a NH license.  A MA license does not allow a NH resident to fish in NH waters.
Maine
  • Buy a license, $1
  • Regulations by fish species (links to all species on this page)
  • Striped Bass regulations:  There are some special rules so be sure to review this link before fishing in Maine. No bait on treble hooks, limits on number of hooks on an artificial lure, etc.
  • reciprocity with other states:  You are exempt from using the Maine registration/license if:  “You are registered/licensed to engage in saltwater recreational fishing in another state, or with the National Registry.” (according to this link.)
  • Registering with Maine does not give you rights to fish in MA waters.
Rhode Island
  • Buy a license
  • Regulations by fish species
  • reciprocity with Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maine

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

    Rhode Island honors recreational saltwater fishing licenses from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine.

Connecticut