Anglers will find plenty of opportunities around Gloucester. Bluefish and striped bass can be caught close to shore by surfcasting or fly fishing. Make sure your gear is up to the task; you’ll need steel leader if it’s bluefish you’re after. Flounder can be caught from a pier or rockwall. Timing matters- change of tide is the best time for fishing. Deep sea fishing for cod, haddock, striped bass, shark & tuna will require a boat. There are several charter fishing boats in town that can get you on the water.



Most will rent gear and even clean your fish for you. Bait, tackle, ice and fishing tips can all be found in downtown gear shops.

Saltwater Fishing Permits

Plan to fish only from a charter boat? You do NOT need a license. Fishing from shore or on a private boat? See below for the most recent regulations.

For 2010, anglers must join the National Saltwater Angler Registry at:
CountMyFish.NOAA.gov (Free)

For 2011, anglers must purchase a state Recreational Saltwater Permit at:
Mass.gov/MarineFisheries ($10)

For Boaters

Harbormaster
monitors channel 16

Blynman Bridge & Train Bridge
monitor channel 13.
Openings on request.

Moorings
28 transient moorings in Gloucester Harbor. Reservations available after April 1. $25/night. Call Harbormaster.

Anchorage
In Gloucester Harbor between North & South Channels

Docking
Cape Ann’s Marina transient dockage & lunch tie-ups up to 120’ Channel 10.

Gas/Diesel
Cape Ann’s Marina Resort Lobster Cove, Annisquam Smith Cove, Inner Harbor

Pump-out
Contact Harbormaster Cape Ann’s Marina Resort

Town Landings
Drop off/pick up only

St. Peter’s Inner Harbor

Solomon Jacobs, Inner Harbor

Cripple Cove, Inner Harbor

Lane’s Cove, Lanesville

Magnolia Lobster Cove, Annisquam