Recreational Saltwater Fishing License Information

Beginning in 2010, in order to fish recreationally for finfish in Rhode Island's marine waters, saltwater anglers and spearfishers must have:

• A RI Recreational Saltwater Fishing License, or
• A National Saltwater Angler Registration, or
• A recreational saltwater fishing license from a reciprocal state (NY, CT, MA and ME)

Exemptions: No license or federal registration is required for:

• Anglers who are under 16 years of age
• Anglers fishing on licensed party or charter boats
• Anglers who hold Highly Migratory Species Angling Permits
• Anglers who are on leave from active military duty
• Anglers who are blind or permanently disabled

RI saltwater fishing licenses can be purchased at many bait and tackle shops and online at saltwater.ri.gov.
Contact DEM's Marine Fisheries Program at (401) 423-1923 (M-F 8:30am - 4:00pm).