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Your first fishing license, step by step
Who needs one, where to buy it, and links to the official state agencies, so you're legal before your first cast.
In this guide
Short answer: If you're an adult fishing public water, you almost certainly need a license from the state you're fishing in. Buy it on your state wildlife agency's website, by phone, or at a store that sells licenses. Kids often fish free. Rules and prices change, so check your state's official site.
We make fishing reels. We're not the game warden. This guide covers what's true almost everywhere and points you to the official sources for the rest.
Who needs one
- Adults. Almost every state requires adults to have a license to fish public waters. Each state sets the age when it starts, usually somewhere in the teens.
- Kids. Children under that age usually fish free. Check the age where you'll be fishing.
- Seniors. Many states offer reduced-price or lifetime licenses for older residents, and some make them free.
- Private ponds. Rules differ by state. Don't assume. Check.
Freshwater, saltwater, or both
Many coastal states treat saltwater separately. Some sell a separate saltwater license. Others sell an add-on to your regular license. If you'll fish a lake and the coast, look for a combo or all-water option.
A few other things you'll see:
- Resident or non-resident. You buy the license of the state you fish in. Visitors pay the non-resident price.
- Short-term licenses. Most states sell licenses for a day or a few days, handy for a trip.
- Lifetime licenses. Many states sell them. They can make sense for kids and seniors.
How to buy one
- Online. Go to your state wildlife agency's website (links below). It's usually the fastest way, and you can often print it or save it right away.
- In a store. Many sporting goods stores, bait shops and big stores with a fishing aisle sell licenses at the counter.
- By phone. Most agencies sell licenses through a toll-free number.
Have your driver's license or state ID handy. Buy only from your state's agency or a store it authorizes. Some look-alike websites charge extra fees.
Carry it with you
Keep your license on you while you fish. Many states accept a digital copy on your phone. Some still want the paper or card. Check what yours accepts.
Read the rules for your water
A license lets you fish. The regulations tell you how: how many fish you can keep (the bag limit), how big they have to be (the size limit), and which baits and gear are allowed. Rules can be different for a single lake or river. Every state publishes its rules online, and many have a free app.
Free fishing days: Most states have one or more free fishing days a year, when you can fish without a license. Your state agency lists the dates. It's a good day to take someone fishing for the first time.
Official state links
Go straight to the official site:
- Texas: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Georgia: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division
- Florida: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- California: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Tennessee: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Louisiana: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Alabama: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Mississippi: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
- Arkansas: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- North Carolina: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- South Carolina: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Fishing somewhere else? Search for your state's wildlife or fish and game agency and buy from its official site.
Not sure what to buy?
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