As of January 1, 2011, all New England states will require a saltwater license or registration to fish within 3 miles of shore. The purchase of a state license precludes having to register with the federal government to fish in federal waters (3 to 200 miles from shore), and in some cases allows the licensee to fish in the waters of neighboring states without having to purchase additional licenses in those states. Note that anglers who wish to pursue bluefin tuna and other Highly Migratory Species must purchase a separate HMS permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service.

To help make sense of the different state license fees, requirements and exemptions, we’ve put together the following state-by-state breakdown.

Maine – 2011

License Requirements

Anglers over the age of 16 who wish to fish in Maine’s marine waters out to 3 miles from shore, including the waters surrounding its offshore islands, must register annually with the state. There is a $1 to $2 service fee to register. The permit expires on December 31.

Exemptions:

The following individuals do not need to register:

  • Persons under the age of 16.
  • Persons fishing aboard a charter or partyboat.
  • Persons renting a smelt shack from an individual who holds a commercial operator’s permit.
  • Persons with a disability.
  • Disabled veterans.
  • Persons holding a saltwater recreational fishing license from another state.
  • Maine residents who purchased a freshwater fishing license and who checked a box indicating that they intend to fish in saltwater.
  • Maine residents fishing on July 4, Memorial Day weekend, or Labor Day weekend.

To register online, go to:

(MOSES) Maine Online Sportsman Electronic System

Seasons, Catch & Size Limits

For information on Maine’s saltwater fishing regulations, by species, go to: Maine Department of Marine Resources.

 

Connecticut – 2011

License Requirements

Anglers who wish to pursue finfish (does not include squid and crabs) in Connecticut’s marine waters must purchase a Marine Waters Fishing License. Anyone age 16 or older, fishing (i.e., taking or attempting to take fish or bait species) from shore or from a boat in the marine district of Connecticut or landing marine fish or bait species in Connecticut taken from offshore waters is required to have a saltwater license. The license expires on December 31.

Fees:

  • $10 resident annual (age 16 to 65)
  • $5 resident 1-day
  • $15 non-resident annual (age 16 and older)
  • $8 non-resident 3-day
  • $10 armed forces members
  • (Note: all-waters hunting and fishing licenses are also available)

Exemptions:

The following individuals are exempt from buying a CT license:

  • Residents age 65 and older (fee is waived, but must still register annually).
  • Anglers who hold a saltwater permit from New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
  • Anglers fishing aboard a charter or partyboat.
  • Blind or intellectually challenged anglers are eligible for a free lifetime license, but must register with the state.
  • CT residents with the loss of a limb or the loss of the use of a limb are eligible for a free lifetime license, but must register with the state.

Licenses purchased through the Online Licensing System may be replaced if lost by logging onto the system using the CT Conservation ID.

To purchase a license:

Season, Catch & Size Limits

For information on current seasons and size limits, go to:

Recreational Marine Fisheries Regulations

Massachusetts – 2011

License Requirements

A Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit is required to fish the marine waters of Massachusetts out to 3 miles from shore. Cost is $10 for both residents and non-residents. The permit expires on December 31.

Exemptions:

No permit is required for the following individuals:

  • Persons under 16 years of age.
  • Persons fishing on a charter or partyboat.
  • Persons who possess a saltwater fishing license from Connecticut, Rhode Island or New Hampshire.
  • Persons who, regardless of age, otherwise meet the definition of a disabled person.
  • The permit fee is waived for anglers 60 and older; however, these individuals must still register with the state. A small fee will be charged by the vendor to process the permit if purchased online.

For more information:

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries: Permits

To purchase a license online:

Mass Fish Hunt License System

Seasons, Catch & Size Limits

For a current list of fishing regulations, by species

 

Rhode Island – 2011

License Requirements

A fishing license is required for pursuing saltwater finfish in Rhode Island. Saltwater anglers can either register with the federal government or purchase a state license ($7 per year for residents; $10 for non-residents). A temporary 5-day license is available for $5 for both residents and non-residents. The fee is waived for seniors (over 65), must these persons must still register with the state. The license expires on December 31.

Exemptions:

No license is need for the following persons:

  • Persons under 16 years of age.
  • Persons holding a saltwater license from Massachusetts, New York, Maine and Connecticut.
  • Persons fishing on a charter or partyboat.
  • Persons registered with the National Saltwater Angler Registry or holding a Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit.
  • Persons on leave from active military duty.
  • Persons who are blind or permanently disabled.
To purchase a license online, go to:

Seasons, Catch & Size Limits

For a list of state regulations, by species Marine Fisheries Regulations.

 

New Hampshire – 2011

License Requirements

A New Hampshire Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is required for individuals age 16 and older participating in recreational saltwater fishing for finfish from coastal and estuarine waters of New Hampshire. Click here for FAQs about the N.H. recreational saltwater fishing license. The fee is $11 for both residents and non-residents. Anglers with a saltwater license from Maine or Massachusetts are exempt. The license expires on December 31.

Exemptions:

  • Persons fishing from a licensed charter or partyboat do not need a license.
  • Persons who purchased a Lifetime Fishing or combination license prior to 2011 may obtain a Limited Annual Saltwater License for Lifetime Licensees to fish for saltwater smelt, American shad, trout and salmon in coastal and estuarine waters. This permit must be applied for each year by mail or at Fish & Game in Concord and is good only for the fish listed above. Persons who want to fish for other fish species such as striped bass, flounder and cod must purchase the NH Recreational Saltwater License.

To purchase a license online, go to:

Seasons, Catch & Size Limits

For a list of state regulations, by species: