Cape Cod & the Islands have lots of fresh and salt water fishing locations

With its ocean surf, sheltered harbors, and freshwater ponds, Cape Cod & the Islands offer a broad palette of choices for fishermen. Limitations are few and access to the water is plentiful. Here are a few rules:

• Massachusetts does not require a license for recreational saltwater angling, but a commercial permit is required when any fish are sold.
• Recreational shellfishing is permitted in designated clean areas and regulated by the individual towns. Contact the towns’ departments of natural resources for local regulations and permits.
• Non-commercial lobster permits are required to fish for or take lobsters for personal use, using a maximum of 10 pots. This permit covers the holder and members of the holder's immediate family. To renew a non-commercial lobster permit online, go to MassOutdoors, the website of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. Help line for MassOutdoors is 617-626-1600.
• See detailed regulations for recreational fishing at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
• See below for some surf fishing access locations on Cape Cod.