New Hampshire Spearfishing Rules Card

Legal status

Saltwater LegalFreshwater Not permitted

New Hampshire has a short Atlantic coast, and recreational spearfishing IS legal in its marine (coastal and estuarine) waters for open marine finfish, with a NH Saltwater Recreational Fishing License required for anyone 16 or older (spearfishers are named explicitly).

License

Required: New Hampshire Saltwater Recreational Fishing License (marine/coastal spearfishing); a freshwater fishing license does not authorize freshwater spearing, which.

Resident: $11 (includes $1 agent fee).

Non-resident: $11 (same as resident; cost does not vary by residency or method).

Gear rules

• Spearguns: Permitted for marine spearfishing in coastal/estuarine waters with a saltwater license.
• Pole spears: Hand spears/pole spears are permitted for marine spearfishing under the saltwater license.
• On scuba: NH marine rules reviewed do not address the use of SCUBA while spearfishing; no primary-source confirmation was found (see unverified).
• Fresh water: spears and spear-type devices are banned outright (RSA 211:13); the only bow/spear-type exception is a long bow.
• Marine size, bag, and season limits apply to speared fish the same as to other gear and change frequently; verify current NH eRegulations.

Do not spear

• Atlantic salmon
• Atlantic wolffish
• Ocean pout
• Shortfin mako shark
• Sturgeon
• Windowpane flounder
• All freshwater game fish

Area restrictions

• Marine spearfishing applies within NH state waters (out to 3 miles from the coastline); beyond that, federal rules govern.
• Freshwater spear use is banned statewide (RSA 211:13); the only location where bow-and-arrow take of carp is allowed is Mascoma Lake (RSA 211:2).
• A Cod Spawning Protection Area and species-specific closed seasons/areas set by NH Fish and Game apply in marine waters and change; verify current NH.
• No spearfishing-specific setback distance from swimmers, beaches, piers, or docks was found in NH primary sources (see unverified).

Before you dive

• Never dive alone: one up, one down.
• Check current seasons and sizes the morning of the dive.
• Confirm with New Hampshire Fish and Game Department: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/