A permit is required to fish in saltwater MA: Fast and easy to do online or by calling 866-703-1925, for $10. All information can be found here.
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Related Press Release: On Monday, September 19th, at a Special Meeting of the Derby Committee, the Committee voted to disqualify two current division leading fish because the anglers who caught the fish did not possess a Massachusetts Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit prior to weighing in the fish in our tournament.
Although this is the first year of implementation of the new state fishing regulation, the Committee cautions all participants to comply with all State, Federal and Derby Regulations if they participate in the Derby and anticipate winning a prize. The Committee reserves the right to check anyone’s status as a permit holder and will continue to make spot checks.
During the past year, the Committee has worked long and hard to create a public awareness of this new regulation via all of our forms of communication. Tackle shop owners have done the same in their shops, newspapers have explained the regulation in their columns and it is clearly posted for all contestants to see as they approach the Derby Scale to weigh their fish in.
Registering in the Derby includes the angler’s signature stating agreement to abide by all State, Federal and Derby Rules and it is the responsibility of the angler to know and abide by these regulations when fishing the Derby.
Ed Jerome
President
Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby