Advice Needed About Getting a Fishing License

[theowilder]

Hi everyone,

I’m preparing for a fishing trip soon and realized I’m not completely sure about the licensing rules. Is a fishing license required for every type of fishing location, or only for public lakes and rivers?

I’m also wondering if the regulations change depending on whether you’re fishing in freshwater or coastal areas.

For someone who only plans to fish a few times a year, would a short term permit be a better option than an annual license?

Lastly, where do most people usually apply for one, and what basic documents are required during the process? Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

 

[theowilder]

Hi everyone,

I’m preparing for a fishing trip soon and realized I’m not completely sure about the licensing rules. Is a fishing license required for every type of fishing location, or only for public lakes and rivers?

I’m also wondering if the regulations change depending on whether you’re fishing in freshwater or coastal areas.

For someone who only plans to fish a few times a year, would a short term permit be a better option than an annual license?

Lastly, where do most people usually apply for one, and can this resource help explain what basic documents are required during the process? Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

thanks in advance for any help

 

[Native Hunter]

Every state government will have some type of fish and wildlife division, and the requirements will vary a lot from state to state. They all likely have a brochure like the one I have linked below for KY. You would be wise to check those for the states you want to fish in to make sure you don't end up in jail.

https://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Documents/fishingguide.pdf

 

[Fishman]

I’m also wondering if the regulations change depending on whether you’re fishing in freshwater or coastal areas.

Most states require a separate saltwater license if you are fishing in coastal areas. Some states also require you to buy a freshwater license with your saltwater license. If you only have to buy a saltwater license, you need to know where the boundary is and not fish freshwater without the proper license.

As far as which license to buy, if you are fishing out of state and only for a few days, a 3-7 day license may be best. If you are fishing within your state, a full year license is probably pretty cheap.

 

[buckdeer1]

Depending on where you are fishing can make a difference also as some bodies of water have different regs than other places in same state