Fishing is a popular pastime in Alabama, with abundant freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities throughout the state. However, before you cast your line, it’s important to understand the state’s fishing license requirements. In Alabama, a valid fishing license is required for residents between the ages of 16 and 64 who fish with rod and reel or artificial bait, and all non-residents 16 years of age and older who wish to fish in the state’s public waters.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Alabama?
In Alabama, the following individuals are required to have a fishing license:
Residents between the ages of 16 and 64
Non-residents 16 years of age and older
To be considered a resident, you must have a valid Alabama driver’s license or non-driver’s ID card and have resided continuously in the state for at least 90 days.
Exemptions from Fishing License Requirements
There are a few exceptions to the fishing license requirement in Alabama:
Residents under the age of 16
Residents 65 years of age and older with valid proof of age and residency
Resident landowners and their immediate family members fishing on their own property
Alabama residents fishing from the bank in their county of residence using hook and line with live bait only
Non-resident college students between the ages of 17 and 23 who obtain a residency exception from their local probate office, license commissioner, marine resource office, or any authorized outdoor recreation office
It’s important to note that even if you are exempt from purchasing an annual saltwater fishing license, such as those who are 65 or older or only fishing exclusively from a pier, you still need to complete the saltwater angler registration, which is free.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Alabama
Alabama offers several types of fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents:
Resident Licenses:
Daily Public Fishing Lakes License: $7.30, valid only in state-owned county public fishing lakes
Annual Fishing License: $16.15, allows fishing in public freshwaters
Annual Wildlife Heritage License: $13.30, allows hook and line fishing from the bank, fishing in state-owned county public fishing lakes, hunting small game (except waterfowl) on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas, and shooting on WFF-managed shooting ranges
Annual Spearfishing License: $6.00, allows completely submerged persons to spear commercial or non-game fish in freshwater or saltwater
Annual Wirebasket License: price varies, allows one basket (maximum of four per license year) to catch non-game fish in public freshwaters
Non-Resident Licenses:
7-Day Fishing License: $32.30, allows fishing for 7 consecutive days
Annual Fishing License: $48.45, allows fishing for 12 months
7-Day Trip Fishing License: $10.10, allows fishing for 7 consecutive days in state-owned county public fishing lakes
Annual Public Fishing Lakes License: $48.45, allows fishing for 12 months in state-owned county public fishing lakes
In addition to these licenses, Alabama also offers lifetime fishing licenses for residents and discounted licenses for disabled individuals and disabled military veterans.
How to Purchase a Fishing License in Alabama
You can purchase an Alabama fishing license in several ways:
Online: Visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website to purchase and print your license instantly.
In Person: Visit any authorized license agent, such as sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, marinas, and county probate offices.
By Phone: Call 1-888-848-6887 to purchase your license over the phone.
By Mail: Download and complete an application form, then mail it along with payment to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
When purchasing your license, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, driver’s license or ID number, Social Security number (for U.S. residents), and form of payment.
Fishing Regulations and Conservation Efforts
In addition to purchasing a valid fishing license, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Alabama’s fishing regulations and conservation efforts:
Freshwater Fishing Regulations: These regulations cover size and creel limits, prohibited species, and other rules for fishing in Alabama’s freshwater bodies.
Saltwater Fishing Regulations: These regulations apply to fishing in the state’s saltwater areas, such as the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay, and the Mississippi Sound.
Catch and Release Best Practices: To help protect fish populations, anglers should learn proper catch and release techniques to minimize stress and injury to the fish.
Aquatic Resource Conservation: Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources works to protect and enhance the state’s aquatic resources through various conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and fish stocking programs.
By purchasing a fishing license and following the state’s fishing regulations and conservation practices, anglers can help ensure that Alabama’s abundant fishing resources remain healthy and accessible for generations to come.