News  Take mom fishing

A family fishing trip is a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day and get everyone together for an outdoor adventure. With the right preparation, you can help make Mother’s Day fishing the perfect gift.  

Tips to have the best experience: 

• Pick the perfect place. Mom deserves quality time in a scenic area this Mother’s Day. To find places to fish near you, use our Go Fish MA! interactive map. Filter for "featured sites" (using the gray icon in the bottom center of the map) to see some of the spots staff recommend for easiest access. To make a day of it, state parks are also a great option. They often offer extra amenities like picnic tables, grills, walking trails, and bathrooms. To go fishing with younger children, try a place closer to home, and look for open space with enough room for kids to cast. 

• Get your gear ready. Pack everything the day before, and let mom relax. Remember to bring your sunscreen, bug spray, and mom's favorite snacks! Click here for a list of recommended items to get started fishing. 

• Buy her fishing license as a gift, and tuck it into a handmade card. This gift keeps on giving, as licenses are valid through the end of the year. Kids younger than 15 can fish for free without a license. Licenses are also free for anglers ages 15–17 and anglers ages 70 and older. Get your fishing licenses here.

• Take lots of pictures! Capture that perfect action shot of mom reeling in her catch. Take group selfies to remember the day. Please tag us on social media, so we can see how much fun you’re having! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

• Plan extra activities. Keep everyone entertained by adding a nature walk, or bringing toys, binoculars, frisbees, playing cards, and anything else your family enjoys. 

• Prepare a meal. If someone reels in a keeper, consider bringing it home to make a nice meal for mom.

  • Tips for preparing trout

  • Tips for preparing panfish like black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed

Time on the water with mom doesn’t have to just last one day. Get out as often as you can, to keep making memories and reeling in those fish!