If you’re planning to go fishing in Alabama in 2024, you’ll need to purchase a fishing license. The cost of an Alabama fishing license varies depending on whether you’re a resident or non-resident, and the type of license you need. In this article, we’ll break down the costs for both residents and non-residents, as well as the different types of licenses available.
Resident Fishing Licenses
If you’re an Alabama resident, you can purchase a fishing license at a discounted rate. Here are the costs for some of the most common licenses:
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $16.15
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $28.50
Daily Public Fishing Lakes License: $7.30
Annual Wildlife Heritage License: $13.30
Residents 65 and older are not required to purchase a freshwater fishing license. Additionally, Alabama residents can fish from the bank in their county of residence with hook and line (live bait only) without purchasing a license, as long as they can provide proof of residency (Alabama driver’s license).
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents, on the other hand, will need to pay a higher fee for their fishing licenses. Here are the costs for some of the most common non-resident licenses:
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $62.60
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $61.35
7-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $35.00
7-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $33.75
Daily Public Fishing Lakes License: $8.55
3-Day Family Freshwater Fishing License (allows license holder and 4 family members to fish): $35.00
Non-residents must provide a valid driver’s license from another state, passport, non-driver’s ID, or military orders and driver’s license or ID card to purchase a license.
Discounted Licenses
There are also discounted licenses available for certain individuals:
Physically Disabled Freshwater or Saltwater Fishing Event License (up to 20 disabled guests for 3 days): $100
Disabled Freshwater or Saltwater Fishing License (totally disabled residents): $3.40
Veteran’s Appreciation Freshwater License (20% disabled or more residents): $3.50
Non-resident college students between the ages of 17 and 23 can obtain a residency exception to buy a special license for the same price as a resident.
Where to Purchase a License
You can purchase an Alabama fishing license online through the Outdoor Alabama website, by phone, or from authorized license agents such as sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and county probate offices.
Exemptions
There are a few cases where you won’t need to purchase a fishing license in Alabama:
Anyone under the age of 16
Alabama residents fishing from a local bank in their county with proof of residency (Alabama driver’s license)
Alabama residents visiting home on military leave
Non-residents fishing with an Alabama saltwater guide or charter (the boat’s license covers everyone on board)
Remember, your purchase of an Alabama fishing license financially supports the protection and enhancement of Alabama’s aquatic resources. Except for issuance fees and convenience fees, 100% of your license fee goes to the management, protection, and education of Alabama’s natural resources.