Do Non-Resident Seniors Need a Fishing License in Tennessee in 2024?

If you’re a non-resident senior planning to fish in Tennessee in 2024, it’s important to understand the state’s fishing license requirements. Tennessee offers several types of fishing licenses, including options specifically for non-residents and seniors.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents of Tennessee who are 13 years of age or older are required to purchase a fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. The following non-resident fishing licenses are available:
Jr. Hunt/Fish – Required for non-residents ages 13-15 for fishing and small game only, costing $11.00.
3-Day & 10-Day Fishing Licenses: No Trout – These licenses allow non-residents to fish, but they cannot catch or keep trout. The 3-day license costs $20.50, while the 10-day license is $30.50.
3-Day & 10-Day Fishing License: All Species – These licenses allow non-residents to catch and keep all species of fish. The 3-day license costs $40.50, and the 10-day license is $61.50.
Annual Fishing License – This license allows non-residents to fish anywhere in Tennessee for a year and catch and keep any species. The cost is $50.00.

Non-Resident Senior Fishing Licenses

Tennessee does not offer a specific non-resident senior fishing license. However, non-resident seniors can purchase any of the non-resident fishing licenses mentioned above to fish in the state.
Resident Senior Fishing Licenses
Tennessee residents who are 65 years of age or older have several fishing license options:
Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap – Available at all license agents and can only be purchased when you reach your 65th birthday. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required. No supplemental licenses are needed, but WMA permits must be purchased in addition to this license. Fees apply when applying for quota hunt permits and “leftover” permits. The cost is $4.00.
Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap – Available at all license agents and can only be purchased when you reach your 65th birthday. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required. No supplemental licenses are needed, but WMA permits must be purchased in addition to this license. Fees apply when applying for quota hunt permits and “leftover” permits. The cost is $49.00.
Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman – An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits. It also allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. Annual Senior Sportsman licenses can be purchased from all license agents for $49.00.

Exceptions and Exemptions

There are a few exceptions and exemptions to the fishing license requirements in Tennessee:
Residents born before March 1, 1926, do not need a license but must be prepared to present proof of age and residency to wildlife officers.
A license is not required to fish on privately owned land.
Military personnel on leave do not need a permit, but orders must be carried.
Anglers under the age of 13 do not need a license.
Where to Purchase Fishing Licenses
Non-resident and resident seniors can purchase Tennessee fishing licenses from various locations:
Online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com
County clerks
Sporting goods stores
Hardware stores
Boating docks
TWRA Licensed Agents
TWRA Regional Offices
Licenses can be printed at home for convenience, allowing anglers to start fishing as soon as they arrive in Tennessee.
In conclusion, while Tennessee does not offer a specific non-resident senior fishing license, seniors can purchase any of the available non-resident fishing licenses to enjoy fishing in the state’s waters in 2024. Resident seniors have several license options tailored to their age group, making it easy to participate in the sport they love.