Fishing License

If you want to go fishing in the United States, you are going to be required to have a fishing license. Each state has its laws and regulations when it comes to fishing and will require anglers to purchase a fishing license before they ever cast a line. You can be bank fishing, in a kayak or out on a 100k dollar offshore boat, you will still be required to purchase a fishing license in the state you are fishing. A fishing license is a way to help states protect their fisheries and enforce fishing regulations on anglers to help restrict overfishing from occurring. If you plan on fishing any public body of water in the state you are located, it is in your best interest to purchase a fishing license.

Each state will have a wildlife governing body that runs all fishing licenses and permits. You will be able to purchase an online fishing license directly from the state. Each state will also allow anglers to be able to pay over the phone in case they do not have internet access. In each state, you will find local bait shops that are certified to issue state fishing licenses. Several big companies like Walmart and Bass Pro Shops also offers angler fishing licenses in store. There are several options for finding the right location to purchase your fishing license in-state; the online fishing license will always be the easiest.

To obtain a fishing license in the state, you are fishing; you will need a valid driver's license with proof of residency.

The cost of a fishing license is going to depend on the state. Each state has set its price. They also offer different kinds of fishing licenses need to fish different bodies of water. If the state is coastal, then they will off saltwater fishing license options as well as freshwater fishing licenses. If the state is landlocked, then more likely, they will only offer a freshwater fishing license option. Each state will require different tags or permits for select species that will need to be purchased separately from the traditional fishing license. Some states will give price breaks or offer free licenses to minors (under 18), senior citizens (Older 65+), disabled, and active-duty military.