Is There a Limit on How Much a Child Angler Can Catch?

March 12, 2009

Question: If I have a youngster on my vessel, is the child allowed to catch the same full limit as a licensed angler? I’ve been reading reports about some fishing trips where everyone takes a limit of lobster including limits for small children aboard the vessel. Thanks. (Steve M.)

Answer: Yes, unlicensed anglers under the age of 16 with a lobster report card can catch and keep a limit of lobsters for themselves. However, youngsters must be actively involved in the fishing operation and take their own lobsters. The same goes for fishing. You can bet a game warden will question how a toddler or infant took a limit of lobsters or fish.