Don’t get Busted! The Lowdown on Fishing Licenses

So, you want to go fishing?

Before you head out onto the open waters, there’s one important thing you need to know: if you don’t have a fishing license, you could be in for a whole lot of trouble. Let’s take a look at what states require a fishing license and the consequences of not having one.

Do I Need a Fishing License?

The truth is that all 50 states plus the District of Columbia require some kind of recreational fishing license — though what type and how much it costs varies from state to state. In most states, if you are over 16 years old, you need a valid license to fish (though some states may exempt seniors or those with disabilities). Some states also require youth under 16 years old to buy special licenses. You should always consult your local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for up-to-date information on regulations in your area.

How Much Does a Fishing License Cost?

The amount you’ll need to pay for your fishing license depends on where you live and how long it will last. Most day passes cost less than $20 while annual licenses can range anywhere from $25-$50 depending on the state and who is buying them. For example, in Florida, an annual saltwater fishing license for an adult resident cost just $17 while an annual non-resident saltwater license runs about $47. This means that if your hobby is catching fish, investing in a yearly license might save you money in the long run — plus it helps protect the environment!

Where Do I Get My Fishing License?

A great resource for finding out more about your states fishing regulations, is at the Take Me Fishing website. That link will give you the most up to date information regarding fishing licenses in all 50 states, as well as any additional requirements and information you may need. Some states offer a 365-day fishing license. So, if you purchase your license on March 3rd, your license will be good for a full 365 days. That is a pretty nice benefit. California just implemented this for 2023. Here is the full Fishing Tackle Insider article on the California Licenses.

What Happens If I Don’t Have a License?

If you don’t have a valid fishing license when asked by an enforcement officer, expect hefty fines ranging anywhere from $100-$1,000 depending on the state and number of offenses. Plus, if caught without one three times in some areas like California, expect jail time as well! In general, make sure that before heading out to catch dinner with your rod and reel that your registration is up to date so that both you and your catch stay safe and sound.

Conclusion

All in all, getting a valid fishing license before heading out onto the water really isn’t difficult or expensive—so why risk it? Make sure that before dropping bait into any body of water that you know what type of permit or registration is required by law so that neither your wallet nor your stomach goes empty when it comes time to cast off! With these tips in mind happy angling!

Thank you for stopping by Fishing Tackle Insider.

See you on the water!

FTI