What Age Do You Need a Fishing License? [By State]
Fishing makes a great pastime, a way to get outdoors with friends and family.
It’s important, though, to make sure you follow your state’s fishing regulations and make sure you have a valid fishing license before heading out to the water.
Here’s the kicker, different states have different age requirements.
So what age do you need a fishing license?
We’ll break down each state’s minimum age requirements, as well as other exceptions to the rules for non-residents, etc.
Let’s dive in.
Fishing License Requirements By Age
You can go fishing in any state of the US once you have a valid fishing license. In some states, you are eligible to get a license at the age of 10. In some others, you have to wait till you are 18 years old.
They say old age is like a return to childhood. Some of that holds true when it comes to getting a valid fishing license. Because in the US, you can go fishing without a valid license after a certain age.
In some others, you get a free permit if you are a state resident. And even if not, you can get discounts after a certain age. So we will tell you all that and then some in this piece.
Here’s the breakdown of those requirements by age.
Let’s begin.
10 Years
There is only one state that allows you to get a license this early, Arizona.
12 Years
12 years is the minimum age to get a license in six states. They are:
● Kentucky
● Montana
● Nevada
● New Mexico
● Oregon
● Utah
13 Years
This is a short list with only one state on it, Tennessee.
14 Years
You can get your fishing license in two states as soon as you hit 14.
They are Idaho and Wyoming.
15 Years
Four states allow you to get a permit for fishing at 15.
They are Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.
16 Years
This is a rather long list of states where you are eligible for a fishing license when you turn 16. They are:
● Alabama
● Arkansas
● California
● Colorado
● Connecticut
● Delaware
● Florida
● Georgia
● Illinois
● Iowa
● Kansas
● Louisiana
● Maine
● Maryland
● Minnesota
● Mississippi
● Missouri
● Nebraska
● New Hampshire
● New Jersey
● New York
● North Carolina
● North Dakota
● Ohio
● Oklahoma
● Pennsylvania
● Rhode Island
● South Carolina
● South Dakota
● Virginia
● Wisconsin
17 Years
And we’re back to short lists with only two states that need you to be 17 to apply for a fishing license.
They are Michigan and Texas.
18 Years
And finally, these two states need you to be 18 to get a fishing license.
They are Alaska and Indiana.
Exceptions
You don’t need a fishing license at all if you want to go saltwater fishing for recreational purposes in Hawaii.
Age Requirements for Seniors
In some states, senior citizens above a certain age can go fishing without a valid fishing license.
Here are the details.
Alabama
You don’t need a fishing license if you are over 64.
Alaska
Free fishing licenses if you are over 59.
Connecticut
Free fishing licenses if you are over 64.
Delaware
You don’t need a fishing license if you are over 64.
Florida
You don’t need a fishing license if you are over 64.
Georgia
Free fishing licenses if you are over 64.
Iowa
Free fishing licenses if you are over 64 and considered a low-income individual.
Massachusetts
Free fishing licenses for saltwater fishing if you are over 59 and free fishing licenses if you are over 69.
Missouri
Free fishing licenses if you are over 64.
New Mexico
Free fishing licenses if you are over 69.
Rhode Island
Free fishing licenses if you are over 64.
Vermont
Free fishing licenses if you are over 69.
Virginia
Free saltwater fishing license if you are over 64.
Wyoming
Free fishing licenses if you are over 64.
But this is only for individuals who have been Wyoming residents for a minimum of 30 years.
Things To Note
Now, if you haven’t qualified for the free fishing license, it is still worth noting that many states offer a discount to their resident senior citizens.
Arkansas is an example of that because residents above the age of 64 get hunting and fishing licenses for as low as $10.50.
And since the rules vary from one state to another, you must look at your state’s specifics for a better understanding.
Rules for Residents and Non-Residents
Thre are some interesting differences in some states between residents and non-residents.
The age-related requirements to get a fishing license change depending on whether you are a resident or not.
This begins with the minimum age.
In states like Florida, visitors must be at least 16 years old and have a fishing license.
But if you want to go fishing in Alaska, a non-resident fishing license will be issued if you are just 16 years old. The residents have to wait till they are 18 years old.
Oftentimes, you will notice that non-residents can get a license before state residents. But the catch here is that it will be more expensive for them. So, non-residents will have to pay more.
Ideally, you should find residents who are of age and have valid licenses.
Another point to note is the way each state defines the word resident. That’s right; there’s a catch there too.
In some states, you can be considered a resident and get a fishing license if you’ve lived there for at least 30 years. Wyoming is an example of this clause.
In some others, having a main residence in the state for a minimum of 30 days will make you a resident.
And in Texas, living in the state for a minimum of six months will make you a resident of the southern state.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to the resident and non-resident rules too.
If you are a young person whose parents serve actively in the US armed forces of a state, you could qualify as a resident of that state. You still have to meet the state’s minimum age requirement. That’s because, in many states, family members of individuals who are still serving in the military are considered residents of the state.
Who Can Go Fishing without a Valid License?
Young kids, usually under 16 years of age, can go fishing in all 50 states in the US without a license.
Make sure you check your fishing regulations with the Fish and Game Department’s website for specifications in your particular state.
And now you know the states where senior citizens above the age of 59, 64, and 69 can go fishing without a valid license or get a permit for free too.
Lifetime Fishing License
To get a lifetime fishing license, you must meet the state’s requirements in which you reside.
In most cases, this means you must be a state resident and be at least 18 years old.
To obtain a lifetime fishing license, you must visit your state’s Fish and Game department and present proof of residency.
You will also have to pay the applicable fee.
The cost of a lifetime fishing license varies from state to state but is generally around $200-$500.
Free Fishing Days
There are a few days out of the year when no license is required, called “Free Fishing Days.”
Free Fishing Days are a great way for people to try fishing for the first time. Each state has its own Free Fishing Days, so check with your state’s Fish and Game department to find out when they are.
Generally, Free Fishing Days are held on weekends or holidays.
We hope this article helped you get on your way. Don’t forget your fishing sunglasses, comfortable shoes for fishing, and other fishing gear. You can even get a great fishing kayak for under $1000 to help increase your chances of catching fish.
Summary
In order to legally fish in the United States, you must have a valid fishing license or permit once you hit the state’s minimum age requirement. The type of license or permit you need depends on your residency status (i.e., resident or non-resident) and your age. There are different licenses and permits available for purchase, depending on the state in which you reside. Generally, licenses and permits can be purchased either online or at local Fish and Game department offices.
