Do I need a fishing license?
The Fishing License
In general, yes, you will need to get a fishing license. It’s a safe bet, if you’re fishing any body of water, lake, pond, river, or even the ocean, that you’ll need a fishing license. It really is the the first step for any aspiring angler.
Often times, when buying a fishing license, specific fish require a special permit. For example, to keep trout in Missouri, one would need to purchase a trout permit, in addition to the basic fishing license. With that being said, if you know you want to catch some, let’s say “walleye,” be sure to check out your local regulations on that type of fish, and see if any special licenses are required.
For those in the Midwest region, the links below will give you more info on fishing regulations and required licenses for your state:
Cost
The cost for your fishing license will vary from state to state. The range is quite large actually, depending on a variety of situations.
As previously mentioned, what type of fish you’re fishing for, and associated special permits, factor in. Things like in-state vs out-of-state resident, age (as seniors often get a significant discount or are entirely free), type of license (yearly vs lifetime, if available), saltwater vs freshwater all factor into a total price, just to name a few situations, so it’s tough to give one specific answer on cost.
In Missouri, my home state, the cost for a fishing license is $8. I enjoy trout fishing, so I buy the trout “tag” every year, an additional $10. This brings my total cost to $18 a year. Not too bad.
However, my family and I went on a fishing trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas and the cost for a year long, out-of-state fishing license was around $50 per person. That’s because, as a general rule, out-of-state residents pay more to use fishing areas.
As a note: Arkansas offered a 3 day fishing permit for out-of-state anglers for around $30, but we were staying for 7 days. And of course, we fished every day, so that option didn’t work for us. But sometimes, short term fishing licenses are available, including a single day pass.
Why am I paying to fish?
It’s impossible to talk about a fishing license, without discussing the elephant in the room “Why do I have to pay to fish?” A question most beginner anglers wrestle. Honestly, even some seasoned veteran anglers struggle with the idea. It really is a valid question.
The main reason, conservation. Conservation is a term you’ll hear often as you dive into this sport. It’s what motivates the fishing community, the hunting community and I’d venture to say, all associated outdoor sports.
We all want to see the next generation have the same opportunities we have now. As more and more people discover this great sport. It becomes increasingly challenging for nature to keep up with the demand for good spots that produce a healthy population of fish. It’s especially challenging for densely populated cities where a large percentage of residents, fishing one or two local lakes.
So, concepts like seasons and regulations have been implemented to provide protection to local resources and allow future generations access to these resources for years to come.
Fees from your fishing license are distributed in a variety of ways:
- Building new public lakes and dams
- Stocking lakes and ponds with your favorite game fish
- Mowing around those lakes and ponds
- Maintaining trails and handicap accessible paths
- Building boat launches
- Building fishing docks
- Creating fish habit
- Managing invasive species
- Poaching prevention
- Public education
- and so on!
The good news is, your money is not just going in some bigshot CEO’s pocket. Most of that money goes to improving, maintaining and protecting your favorite fishing spots.
Free Fishing Days
Finally, be on the look out for your state’s free fishing days. Most states have them, and they’re a great opportunity to explore fishing without investing in a fishing license right away.
Here’s a little fishing hack. To keep the investment extra low. Check with you local library and see if they have a “borrow -a-pole” program. This program allows members of the library to borrow a fishing pole for absolutely free, as long as you have a library card. How about that?
A free fishing pole, on a free fishing day, and your looking at a zero dollar investment to “Get Fishin”.
PRO TIP: Be sure to check if your state conservation department has an app. It’s a super useful tool for keep track of your fishing license, seasons, and regulations while your out fishing.
See ya out there!
