Does a Georgia Fishing License Cover Saltwater Fishing in 2024?

In 2024, anglers in Georgia must have a valid fishing license to fish in both freshwater and saltwater. However, a basic fishing license alone is not sufficient for saltwater fishing. Saltwater anglers also need to obtain a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) in addition to their fishing license.

Georgia Fishing License Requirements

Anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid Georgia fishing license to fish in the state’s freshwater and saltwater. Licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or from authorized license agents across the state. Annual fishing licenses cost $15 for Georgia residents and $50 for non-residents. Discounted short-term licenses, ranging from one to ten days, are also available for both residents and non-residents.

Georgia residents who are 65 years of age or older, born on or before June 30, 1952, may obtain a Lifetime Sportsman’s License free of charge. Reduced-cost licenses are available for residents age 65 and older born after June 30, 1952. Georgia residents who are permanently and totally disabled may also obtain a discounted Disability License.

Saltwater Information Permit (SIP)

In addition to a valid Georgia fishing license, anglers who wish to fish in saltwater must also obtain a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP). The SIP is part of a comprehensive effort by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to collect timely and accurate data from saltwater anglers for use in resource management.

Starting in 2020, SIP permits no longer all expire on the last day of February. Instead, newly issued permits expire one year from the date of issuance. Anglers with a current SIP permit can renew it up to 60 days prior to its expiration, with the new permit expiring 365 days after the current permit’s expiration date.

All short-term, annual, and combination Georgia fishing licenses cover both freshwater and saltwater and will require you to obtain the SIP permit when recreationally fishing in saltwater. Plus, tens of thousands of Georgians have lifetime, senior, honorary, or other long-term licenses that are not renewed each year.

Georgia saltwater anglers who have a valid fishing license with a SIP permit and who fish in the Atlantic Ocean beyond 3 miles offshore remain exempt from the federal requirement to have a National Saltwater Angler Registry permit.

Obtaining a SIP Permit

There are several ways to obtain a SIP permit in Georgia:

Download via the internet: Access the Online License System for Georgia DNR and buy a license, print a replacement, or obtain free permits.
Obtain it from any current license vendor: Find a License Agent in your area.
Obtain it over the phone: Call 1-800-366-2661 (Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).
Use a Smartphone App: Use the Outdoors Georgia app (download from Apple or Google Play store). You can store your license on the app, get tide, sunrise/sunset information, and more.

If you have a lifetime or senior license, you will be able to print a paper version of the SIP permit and carry it when you saltwater fish in Georgia.

In conclusion, while a Georgia fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, anglers must also obtain a free SIP permit to fish in saltwater. This permit helps the Georgia Department of Natural Resources collect important data for resource management. By complying with this requirement and participating in surveys when contacted, Georgia’s saltwater anglers can contribute to the effective management of the state’s marine resources.