BROCKTON — While Brockton may not be known for its fishing, there are plenty of lakes, rivers and ponds perfect for fishing within a 30-minute drive of the city.
Whether your catching bass and pickerel at Ames Long Pond in Stoughton, perch and crappie at Lake Nippenicket in Bridgewater, or tunas and marlin off one of the many beaches in southeastern Massachusetts, fishing makes for the perfect warm weather escape from the city.
But before you set off for a day on the water, don’t forget this one crucial step.
In Massachusetts, everyone ages 15 and older needs a fishing license in order to fish in freshwater and everyone ages 16 and older needs a permit to fish in saltwater.
Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing your fishing license, including where you can buy them in the Brockton area.
Who needs a fishing license?
Anyone 15 years or older needs a license to fish in freshwater in Massachusetts. If you are 16 years or older, you also need a permit to fish in saltwater, however out of state residents with saltwater fishing permits from Connecticut, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island are accepted in Massachusetts as well.
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Where can I buy a fishing license near Brockton?
Buy or renew your fishing license online at MassFishHunt or in-person at select retail stores in the Brockton area, including J&J Wholesale Bait in Brockton, Walmart in Brockton, Abington, Avon and Raynham, and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Brockton and Taunton.
Fishing licenses can also be purchased at any of the MassWildlife offices; however, the MassWildlife Southeast District office is in Buzzards Bay, which is about an hour drive from Brockton.
How much is a fishing license in MA?
For residents of the state of Massachusetts, a freshwater fishing license costs $33. For residents ages 65 to 69, the fee is only $16.50. The fee is waived for minor residents ages 15 to 17 and for residents 70 years or older.
The fee is also waved for residents who are paraplegic, blind or who have intellectual disabilities, but applicants must fill out an application and submit certifying documents via mail to receive their free license. More information on the application process for disabled residents can be found on Mass.gov .
Saltwater fishing permits for everyone under 60 is $10 and free for everyone 60 and over.
For residents, minors, and residents ages 65-69, a $5 “Wildlands Conservation Stamp” is added to the first freshwater fishing license purchased each year.
If you buy your license online using MassFishHunt or in-person at a third-party vendor or at a city or town clerk office, an administrative fee of $1.45 per license will be charged, plus additional convenience or agent fees at checkout. Avoid these extra fees by purchasing your license at one of the MassWildlife offices, however, only cash or check payments are accepted.
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How long is a fishing license valid?
A freshwater and saltwater fishing license is valid from the purchasing date to the end of the calendar year, Dec. 31, 2024.
Do I have to carry the paper copy?
Those who don’t want to cart around a copy of their physical fishing license can display a ‘true, complete and legible’ image of a valid license on their smartphone. You do, however, have to carry a copy of the license, whether it’s in physical or digital form, with you at all times when fishing in Massachusetts waters.
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What happens if I get caught fishing without a license?
According to Massachusetts Environmental Police Dispatcher Scott Duncan, the minimum penalty for fishing without a license is a $60 fine, however it can lead to a larger fine or an arrest depending on the number of fish and species that are caught.
This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Where can I purchase a fishing license in Brockton? Everything you need to know
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