Angler Education and Your Permit Dollars
Do you remember how you learned to saltwater fish? Creating opportunities to learn how to saltwater fish is important, and our Saltwater Angler Education Program works hard to make that happen through hosting free fishing clinics, a gear loan program, educational guides and activities, how-to videos, gear giveaways, and translated education resources. Money from Recreational Saltwater Permit sales have made it possible for DMF to build a thriving saltwater fishing angler education program that inspires and supports new anglers in Massachusetts. Explore some of the programs and products that your permit dollars have supported.
Hands-On Training
Take Me Saltwater Fishing Clinics
At every clinic, DMF staff and partners teach new anglers the basics of fish biology and fishing technique, including proper handling, knot tying, casting, and picking out the perfect bait or lure. DMF held 93 clinics between 2017 and 2025 and with 24 scheduled in 2026, we will eclipse the 100-clinic mark!
Rod and Tackle Loan Program
To meet the demand for more events, our Angler Education Coordinator created a Rod and Tackle Loan Program, so local groups have the training and equipment they need to host a clinic in their community. In 2026, eight organizations have enrolled to train in the gear loan program.
Education and Outreach
Guides and Learning Activities
Every year, we distribute thousands of free shark and saltwater fish activity guides and our in-depth Saltwater Fishing Field Guide. The guide is written for a middle school audience, but offers practical tips, tricks, and visuals for anyone interested in trying saltwater fishing. It covers basic saltwater fishing gear, knot tying, rig setup, spinning rod casting and strategy, as well as a quick overview of nine popular sportfish and a fishing logbook for kids to fill out.
Take Me Saltwater Fishing Videos
We produced the Take Me Saltwater Fishing video series to provide new anglers with a visual way to learn the basics of saltwater fishing. Led by DMF staff, the eight-episode how-to series explains how to master the basics, including casting, knot tying, tackle configurations, and how to safely reel and release a fish. Take a look at Fishing from a pier, Casting with a spinning rod, or Rigging your tackle, all available on our YouTube Playlist.
Removing Barriers to Saltwater Fishing
Gear Giveaways
Owning your own gear is an important start, so DMF started gear giveaways at select fishing clinics, sending participants home with rods and tackles kits. The gear initiative creates a unique opportunity for new anglers to take home the gear and tackle they just learned on, with the hope that they will continue fishing on their own.
Translated Materials
Saltwater fishing is for everyone, and we’re taking steps to make our educational resources more accessible and inclusive. Last year we translated our Saltwater Fishing Field Guide into Spanish, along with our fishing clinics handouts. We’re now in the process of translating our popular saltwater fish and shark activity books.