Licenses

Licenses for recreational shellfishing are available at the Town Clerk’s office and from authorized agents, (usually local sporting goods stores). Licenses are required to harvest clams, oysters, and mussels, but not scallops, crabs or lobsters.

The cost of a license is $20 for taxpayers, $10 for senior taxpayers and $75 for non-taxpayers. Licenses are valid for one year from date of issue. Permission to take shellfish is granted to the license holder only, except as noted below. Licenses are not transferable and must be carried in person when shellfishing. Licensed Madison residents may be accompanied by one adult guest who shares the daily limit. Children under 16 years may accompany license holders provided they share the limit.


 Daily Limits

(Half of a typical 5 gallon bucket equals 1/4 bushel.)

Type Limit Legal Size
Blue mussels
1/4 bushel
2 inches
Steamer clams
1/4 bushel
2 inches
Oysters 1/4 bushel
2 inches
Round clams
1/4 bushel
1.5 inches
Razor clams
1/4 bushel
3 inches