As the 2024 fishing season approaches, many anglers in Pennsylvania are wondering about the cost of fishing licenses, especially for junior anglers. In the Keystone State, fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age and older to fish in any of the Commonwealth’s waterways. However, there are several options available for junior anglers, including the Mentored Youth Permit and the Voluntary Youth Fishing License.
Mentored Youth Permit
The Mentored Youth Permit is a free option for youth anglers under the age of 16 who want to participate in Mentored Youth Fishing Days. To obtain this permit, the youth must be accompanied by an adult angler (age 16 or older) who possesses a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit (if fishing for trout). The adult angler is not allowed to harvest trout while fishing with a youth permit holder but must release any trout caught unharmed. Youth anglers with a Mentored Youth Permit may harvest up to two trout (combined species) with a minimum size of 7 inches.
Voluntary Youth Fishing License
The Voluntary Youth Fishing License is another option for junior anglers in Pennsylvania. This license costs $2.97, which includes a $1.00 license cost and a $1.97 agent/transaction fee. While the Mentored Youth Permit is free, the Voluntary Youth Fishing License provides additional benefits. For each Voluntary Youth Fishing License sold, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) receives a $5 federal reimbursement. These funds are then dedicated to youth outreach and education programs, ensuring a bright future for fishing in the state.
Adult Fishing Licenses
For adult anglers (ages 16-64), a 1-year resident fishing license costs $22.90 in 2024. This price includes an issuing agent fee of $1.00 and a $0.97 transaction fee. Multi-year options are also available, such as 3-year ($58.97), 5-year ($96.97), and 10-year ($178.97) licenses.
In addition to the base fishing license, anglers may also need to purchase permits for certain types of fishing. For example, a trout permit is required to fish for trout, and a Lake Erie permit is needed for fishing in Lake Erie and its tributaries. These permits cost $9.97 each or $15.97 for a combination permit that includes both privileges.
Fishing licenses and permits can be purchased online at the PFBC website (www.fishandboat.com), at more than 700 license-issuing agents across the state, or at county treasurers’ offices. Anglers can also purchase collectible fishing license buttons for $10.00, which feature a unique design and the angler’s individual license number.
In conclusion, the cost of a junior fishing license in Pennsylvania for 2024 varies depending on the type of license or permit purchased. The Mentored Youth Permit is free for youth anglers, while the Voluntary Youth Fishing License costs $2.97. Adult anglers (ages 16-64) can expect to pay $22.90 for a 1-year resident fishing license, with additional permits and multi-year options available. By purchasing licenses and permits, anglers support the PFBC’s efforts to maintain and improve fishing opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.