Table of Contents
Getting a fishing license is one of the first things you need to do if you want to go fishing in the United States. Basically, a fishing license is a document that lets you fish legally in a certain area.
All fifty states and the District of Columbia allow fishing in state waters and the saltwater around them. But each state has its own rules, requirements, and fees for getting a fishing license.
Some states, for example, require everyone over 18 get a fishing license, while others only require people over 18 get one. In some states, there are also different rules for people who live there and people who don't. Most states let you fish all year long, but there are some rules that say you can't catch certain kinds of fish, and how much you can catch. There are also licenses for fishing for just one day, a short period of time, a year, or for life.
When planning your fishing trip, it's best to find out what you need to get a fishing license, how much a fishing license will cost, and what the fishing rules are in the area.
Findlaw has a good summary of fishing laws by state, including what licenses and registrations are needed, how much they cost, and when the fishing season starts and ends.
But you can also use this NOAA Fisheries page to get in touch with your regional fishing permit and license coordinator for more information and any recent updates.
Why do you need a license to fish, anyway?
Fishing licenses do more than just keep you out of trouble with the law, though. Even though it seems strange and counterintuitive, their main goal is to protect fish.
For one, many fishing licenses limit the species and amount that anglers can catch and keep. This teaches them how to fish in a way that doesn't hurt the environment.
Fishing licenses also help tell the difference between people who fish legally and people who don't, who are called poachers. Licenses help states stop people from fishing illegally or irresponsibly.
In many cases, fishing license fees also pay for maintaining and running fisheries. They also pay for programs to protect habitats, educate people on fishing, and do research on the environment.
How much does a fishing license cost?
Fishing license costs vary from state to state. Most of the time, the cost of a license depends on how long it is valid and if you live in that state or not. In some states, like Florida and New Hampshire, the price of fishing in fresh water is different from the price of fishing in salt water. In some states, like Virginia and Washington, you can also get a license that lets you fish in both saltwater and freshwater.
On average, an annual fishing license will run you around $25 for residents, and up to around $60 for non-residents or an out-of-state license.
Where do you get a license to fish?
You can get a fishing license in two different ways: online or offline.
If you want to buy online, go to the website for your state's Fish and Wildlife Department. There you can get detailed information about the type of license you need, and how much it costs to purchase one. Make sure you’re on the legitimate website, as there have been reports of scam websites pretending to be the real deal and taking advantage of newbie anglers.
You can also go through the offline route, and buy your fishing license from authorized tackle shops in the area or your local Walmart.
Final thoughts
By getting a fishing license, you're helping to protect and preserve sport fishing for now and in the future. It may seem like a small step to take, but it brings you closer to being the more responsible angler you want to be.
MOST READ NEWS:
How To Fish With Lures: Cast and Retrieve, Jigging, Trolling
Fishing with lures is an excitingly effective way to target trophy fish. Unlike passive baits that rely on fish stumbling upon your hook, lures allow anglers to put on a show that actively triggers strikes from aggressive predators. Lures come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and colors - each tailored to mimic the frogs, baitfish, crayfish, and other prey favored by freshwater and saltwater game fish in your area.
How Does Crabbing Differ From Fishing?
Crabbing and fishing both involve catching water creatures, but they are quite different in how they work, the gear used, and the rules that one must follow. In this article, I’ll break down their differences to help you decide whether to fish or crab, get the right equipment, and use the best strategies out on the water.
Is Tech Ruining Fishing or Enhancing the Experience?
For as long as people have fished recreationally, new technologies have been developed to enhance the sport. That fishing rod you think is old school? That was at some point cutting-edge technology. So are the fishing techniques like jigging or trolling that you learned from older folks. In recent years, innovations have gotten much more sophisticated, and have utterly transformed recreational angling. Sonar fishfinders, mapping software, aerial drones, and advances in lures and tackle have arguably taken much of the guesswork out of catching fish.
Struggling with Cold Front Fishing? Learn These Strategies To Boost Your Catch Rate
Cold fronts seriously shake up the fishing scene. Fish are super active before the front rolls in, gobbling up bait like there's no tomorrow. Perfect time to cast your line and make a killer catch. Once the cold air settles, the fish turn lazy. They stick close to cover, move less, and are tricky to catch. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, redfish, and spotted seatrout are among the fish most affected by cold fronts.
How to Fish for Trout in a Lake
Especially in regions with colder climates, trout are one of the most popular sport fish in North America. Since they can put up quite a fierce fight, trout are very popular freshwater game fish much sought after by anglers. Read on to be ready for your next trout fishing trip!
10 Fishing Superstitions: Silly Ideas or Shortcuts to Success?
Fishing is a sport, a hobby, and a profession that’s as old as time, and with that comes a tackle box full of superstitions, myths, and lore. If you’re anything like me, sometimes it feels like you need all the luck you can get to make the big catch. That’s where some of the most popular fishing superstitions come into play. From avoiding bananas on the boat to kissing the first catch of the day before tossing it back into the water, these beliefs are thought to either reel in good luck or shoo away the bad.
How To Catch Flounder
If you're keen on a fishing adventure that offers a mix of ease and challenge, you've gotta try your hand at flounder fishing. These flat, bottom-dwelling saltwater fish are popular targets among the fishing community, and for good reason. They're not too hard to find since they inhabit a broad range of waters, and they're pretty agreeable when it comes to what baits or lures they'll go for. Still, don't think it's all a walk in the park; mastering flounder fishing does take some know-how.
Maximize Your Catch with Sinkers
Sinkers are weights designed to help your bait reach the desired depth. The style and weight you'll need are determined by variables like water depth, bait size, and current strength. So today, we're gonna dig into the nitty-gritty of fishing sinkers—what types there are, how to put them on your line, and why the right sinker can be the difference between a full cooler and going home empty-handed.
Ice Fishing: Gear, Rig, Techniques, and Safety
Ice fishing is a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to catch fish in a way you've probably never tried before: standing on a frozen lake or river, peering into a hole you've just drilled through the ice, and pulling up a fish on a line. For the uninitiated, the idea of ice fishing might raise some eyebrows. But once you give it a shot, you'll find it's an enjoyable winter pastime that keeps you fishing all year round.