Let’s Go Saltwater Fishing
These educational events are intended for families and beginners who are interested in learning how to saltwater fish.
The clinic will cover:
- Knot tying
- How to cast
- Fishing from a pier and from shore
- Measuring your catch and following regulations
- Responsible angler practices
- Catch and release fishing
and includes fun takeaways, handouts, coloring books, instructional field guides, and more!
Register for an upcoming fishing clinic
Our 2024 youth fishing clinic schedule will be posted below as events are organized. Continue checking back in! Registration links become active several weeks prior to the event under the "clinic" headline. As clinics reach capacity, you will be notified about waitlist status.
Date | Time | Clinic | Location |
---|---|---|---|
May 25 | 5:30PM-7PM | Surfcasting at Gooseberry Island (view event flyer) | Gooseberry Island, Westport, MA |
June 1 | 9AM-11AM and 11AM-1PM | REEL FUN Family Fishing Day | Province Lands Visitor Center, Provincetown, MA |
June 1 | 1PM-2:30PM | Surfcasting at Old Silver Beach (view event flyer) | Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA |
June 8 | 10AM-2PM | Reel Fun Fishing Day at Deer Island (view event flyer) | Deer Island Pier, Winthrop, MA |
June 22 | 10AM-2PM | Let's Go Saltwater Fishing | Fort Tabor Pier, New Bedford, MA |
June 29 | 5PM-7:30PM | Surfcasting at Gooseberry Island (view event flyer) | Gooseberry Island, Westport, MA |
June 29 | 10AM-2PM | Cape Cod Canal Boating & Water Safety Day | Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Sandwich, MA |
July 11 | 4PM-6PM | Family Fishing Clinic | Gloucester, MA |
July 18 | 5PM-8PM | Evening Family Fishing Clinic | Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Sandwich, MA |
July 24 | 3PM-6PM | Family Fishing Clinic | South Yarmouth, MA |
August 3 | 9AM-10:30AM | Surfcasting at Gooseberry Island | Westport, MA |
August 15 | 4PM-7PM | Cops and Bobbers (view event flyer) | Somerset, MA |
August 20 | 4PM-6PM | Surfcasting Clinic | Mashpee, MA |
Sept. 7 | 10AM - 2PM | Reel Fun Fishing Day at Nut Island | Nut Island Fishing Pier, Quincy, MA |
Sept. 12 | 4PM-6PM | Cops and Bobbers: Evening Family Fishing Clinic (see event flyer) | Fall River, MA |
Sept. 17 | 5:15PM - 6:45PM | Surfcasting at Gooseberry Island | Westport, MA |
Questions? Interested in learning more about having DMF help you plan a saltwater fishing clinic or activity? Contact Kim Fine at kimberly.trull@mass.gov with the subject line "Saltwater Fishing Clinic Information".
Fishing seminars
We offer educational seminars geared towards adults who would like to learn more about saltwater fishing. If you're interested in hosting a seminar, please let us know so we can tailor a class to the needs of your group. Possible seminars include:
- Saltwater fishing 101: The basics
- Understanding fishing equipment for each species
- Targeting saltwater species in Massachusetts and where to fish
- How to filet and cook saltwater fish of Massachusetts
Other resources to learn to fish
Can't come to a fishing class? It's still easy to learn! All you need to get started is some simple gear and a little practice. Download our Saltwater Fishing Field Guide (also available in Spanish) and watch the partnering video tutorials to learn how to setup saltwater fishing gear, tie fishing knots, cast, and successfully catch and release your first fish!
You need a license to fish in saltwater if you are 16 or older. Licenses are free for those age 60 or older. Get your license now.
Interested in freshwater fishing? Check out the Freshwater Fishing Education Program.
Additional Resources
Angler education resources now available in Spanish
In 2024, the Saltwater Angler Education Program received funding from the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation to translate saltwater angler education materials into Spanish. Below you'll find translated digital versions of some of our clinic materials and our popular Saltwater Fishing Youth Field Guide. You can also visit our Gloucester and New Bedford office locations for a printed field guide in Spanish.