Let's Go Saltwater Fishing

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is partnering with New Bedford Parks Recreation and Beaches to host a FREE in-person saltwater fishing clinic at the Fort Taber pier in New Bedford, MA.

This saltwater clinic is supported by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation Program (MOOR).

Register for the clinic and get started on catch & release fishing basics! Our DMF staff will be on hand to: 

• Help participants cast
• Show participants how to bait hooks or bait hooks for them
• Discuss the different types of bait and rigs used for different species
• Take fish off hooks, guide participants to do the same by themselves
• Demonstrate proper fish handling, species identification, and overall responsible and safe angling practices.

We'll also have clinic activity stations open to the public. Come and learn more about:

• knot tying
• casting
• fish prints
• fish identification and measuring/regulations
• proper handling and fish removal techniques

Educational and informational handouts will be provided in both English and Spanish and DMF staff will be available to answer questions and provide tips and tricks on saltwater fishing.

Learning to saltwater fishing basics is just to get you started. DMF will also send every registered participant home with a new fishing rod, tackle kit, and a bag filled with fun stickers, fish and shark coloring-activity books, and educational materials!