Do You Need a Fishing License in Tennessee if You’re Over 65?

As a resident of Tennessee who is 65 years of age or older, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license to enjoy the state’s abundant waterways. The good news is that Tennessee offers several options for senior anglers, including a discounted lifetime license and even a license-free option for those who meet certain criteria. In this article, we’ll explore the details of Tennessee’s fishing license requirements for seniors and help you determine which option is best for you.

Lifetime Sportsman License for Seniors

One of the most convenient options for Tennessee seniors who love to fish is the Lifetime Sportsman License. This all-inclusive license is valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without the need for any supplemental state licenses or permits. It also allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee.

To qualify for the Lifetime Sportsman License, you must be a resident of Tennessee and at least 65 years of age. The cost of the license varies depending on your age at the time of purchase:

• Ages 65-69: $30
• Ages 70-79: $16
• Ages 80 and older: $6

You can apply for the Lifetime Sportsman License by contacting your local Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) office or downloading an application from the TWRA website.

Senior Citizen Sportsman License

If you prefer an annual license over a lifetime one, Tennessee offers the Senior Citizen Sportsman License for residents 65 and older. This license is valid for hunting, fishing, and trapping and costs only $4 per year.

To purchase the Senior Citizen Sportsman License, you must provide proof of age and residency, such as a valid Tennessee driver’s license or other acceptable documentation. The license can be purchased from any TWRA license agent, county clerk’s office, or online through the TWRA website.

License-Free Fishing for Seniors

If you’re a Tennessee resident who was 65 or older as of March 1, 1991, you are entitled to fish without a license. This means you can enjoy fishing in Tennessee’s lakes, rivers, and streams without the need to purchase any type of fishing license.

To take advantage of this license-free fishing privilege, you must be able to provide proof of your age and residency if asked by a TWRA officer or other law enforcement personnel.

Other Considerations

While Tennessee offers several options for senior anglers, it’s important to note that even if you don’t need a license, you still must abide by other fishing regulations, such as catch and size limits. Additionally, certain bodies of water may require additional permits, even if you have a valid fishing license.

If you plan to fish for trout in Tennessee, you will need to purchase a trout license in addition to your regular fishing license. The trout license costs $11 for residents and can be purchased from any TWRA license agent or online.

Finally, keep in mind that Tennessee’s fishing licenses are valid from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. If you purchase a license in the middle of the year, it will still expire on the last day of February.