In a significant change for anglers in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has announced that fishing licenses will no longer need to be displayed while fishing in 2024. This update replaces the previous requirement with a general possession rule, meaning anyone fishing must have their license with them and present it to a PFBC law enforcement officer upon request.
The Rationale Behind the Change
The decision to remove the display requirement was made by the PFBC Board of Commissioners, who cited several reasons for the change. Pennsylvania was one of only three states, along with Delaware and New Jersey, that still required anglers to display their fishing licenses on an outer garment while fishing. This rule was seen as outdated and often inconvenient, particularly for those purchasing licenses online at short notice without a license holder.
Another factor contributing to the change was the confusion it caused among some anglers who also hunted. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Game Commission had already removed a similar display requirement for hunting licenses, leading to complaints and inconsistency between the two agencies’ regulations.
Benefits for Anglers
The new possession requirement is expected to provide several benefits for anglers in Pennsylvania. By allowing anglers to carry their licenses in a pocket or wallet instead of pinning them to an outer garment, the PFBC hopes to reduce the number of lost licenses and the associated costs of replacement. This change also brings the fishing license display requirement in line with the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s hunting license rules, preventing further confusion among hunters and anglers.
Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director, expressed his support for the change, stating, “By allowing people to simply carry their license in a pocket or in their wallet, rather than pinning it to an outer garment, we hope to hear about fewer licenses being lost and the cost associated with replacing them.”
Voluntary License Display
Despite the removal of the mandatory display requirement, anglers who wish to continue displaying their fishing licenses or a voluntary supplemental metal license button on an outer garment may still do so. This option provides flexibility for those who prefer to keep their licenses visible while fishing.
Legislation and Mobile Device Display
In July 2017, the PFBC gave preliminary approval to a similar rule change that would have also allowed anglers to display their licenses on mobile devices. However, this aspect of the change was tabled due to concerns from the Office of the Attorney General, as it would have required the state legislature to remove the requirement for licenses to be signed in ink.
The PFBC staff is currently working with legislators to develop the necessary legislation to enable the display of fishing licenses on mobile devices in the future.
2024 Fishing License Prices
Along with the change in display requirements, anglers in Pennsylvania will also notice an increase in fishing license prices for the 2024 season. General resident adult licenses have increased by $2.50 to $27.97, while the trout permit has also increased by $2.50 to $14.97. Nonresidents will pay $60.97 for a general license, a $4 increase over 2023.
Despite the price increase, fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the 2024 season are now available for purchase through the HuntFishPA online portal, at nearly 700 retail license issuing agents, or by visiting PFBC offices. Licenses purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
Additional License Options
In addition to the standard fishing licenses and permits, anglers in Pennsylvania have several other options for the 2024 season:
- Collectible fishing license buttons featuring a navy blue background with a golden yellow keystone design. A limited edition of 10,000 buttons will be produced, with each customer receiving a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000.
- Voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout/Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through their sale are reinvested into their respective programs.
- Gift vouchers that can be purchased and redeemed by recipients.
Anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can also receive the 2024 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. This book outlines current fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits, and safety information. A digital version is available for free on the PFBC website or through the FishBoatPA mobile app.
Youth Fishing Opportunities
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth fishing opportunities throughout the 2024 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
The PFBC is committed to providing accessible and enjoyable fishing experiences for all anglers in Pennsylvania. With the removal of the display requirement, increased license prices, and a variety of additional options, the 2024 fishing season promises to be an exciting time for both new and experienced anglers alike.