Saltwater Angler Education Program

The Saltwater Angler Education Program was created to engage the public in saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. Our mission is to teach responsible fishing in an enthusiastic environment and create avid anglers.
saltwater fishing clinic

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. 

DateTimeClinicLocation
May 255:30PM-7PMSurfcasting at Gooseberry Island (view event flyer)Gooseberry Island, Westport, MA
June 19AM-11AM and
11AM-1PM
REEL FUN Family Fishing DayProvince Lands Visitor Center, Provincetown, MA
June 11PM-2:30PMSurfcasting at Old Silver Beach (view event flyer)Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA
June 810AM-2PMReel Fun Fishing Day at Deer Island (view event flyer)Deer Island Pier, Winthrop, MA
June 2210AM-2PMLet's Go Saltwater FishingFort Tabor Pier, New Bedford, MA
June 295PM-7:30PMSurfcasting at Gooseberry Island (view event flyer)Gooseberry Island, Westport, MA
June 2910AM-2PMCape Cod Canal Boating & Water Safety DayCape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Sandwich, MA
July 114PM-6PMFamily Fishing ClinicGloucester, MA
July 185PM-8PMEvening Family Fishing ClinicCape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Sandwich, MA
July 243PM-6PMFamily Fishing ClinicSouth Yarmouth, MA
August 39AM-10:30AMSurfcasting at Gooseberry IslandWestport, MA
August 154PM-7PMCops and Bobbers (view event flyer)Somerset, MA
August 204PM-6PMSurfcasting ClinicMashpee, MA
Sept. 710AM - 2PMReel Fun Fishing Day at Nut IslandNut Island Fishing Pier, Quincy, MA
Sept. 124PM-6PMCops and Bobbers: Evening Family Fishing Clinic (see event flyer)Fall River, MA
Sept. 175:15PM - 6:45PMSurfcasting at Gooseberry IslandWestport, 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.

Additional Resources

Contact   for Saltwater Angler Education Program

Online

DMF Staff Directory View 

Fax

(617) 727-3337

Address

Gloucester Field Office
30 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback