If you’re an angler looking to fish in the beautiful waters of Alabama, you’ll need to purchase a fishing license. The cost of an Alabama fishing license varies depending on several factors, such as residency status, type of license, and duration. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of fishing licenses available in Alabama and their respective costs for 2024.
Resident Fishing Licenses
If you’re a resident of Alabama, you can enjoy discounted fishing license prices compared to non-residents. Here are the costs for some of the most popular resident fishing licenses in 2024:
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $16.15
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $28.50
Daily Public Fishing Lakes License: $7.30
Annual Wildlife Heritage License: $13.30
It’s important to note that Alabama residents aged 65 and older are exempt from purchasing a fishing license. Additionally, residents can fish from the bank in their county of residence with hook and line (live bait only) without purchasing a license, as long as they can provide proof of residency (Alabama driver’s license).
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents, on the other hand, will need to pay higher prices for their fishing licenses in Alabama. Here are the costs for some of the most popular non-resident fishing licenses in 2024:
Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $62.60
7-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $35.00
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $61.35
7-Day Saltwater Fishing License: $33.75
Daily Public Fishing Lakes License: $15.00
3-Day Freshwater Fishing Family Trip License (up to 4 additional family members): $35.00
Non-resident college students between the ages of 17 and 23 can obtain a residency exception, allowing them to purchase a special license at the same price as a resident.
Discounted Licenses
Alabama offers discounted fishing licenses for certain individuals, such as those with disabilities and military veterans. Here are the costs for some of the discounted licenses in 2024:
Physically Disabled Saltwater Fishing Event (up to 20 disabled guests): $100 for both residents and non-residents
Disabled Freshwater Fishing License (totally disabled): $3.40 for residents
Disabled Saltwater Fishing License (totally disabled): $3.40 for residents
Veteran’s Appreciation (20% disabled or more) Freshwater License: $3.50 for residents
To purchase a fishing license in Alabama, you can do so online, by phone, or at various license agents throughout the state, such as sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and county probate offices.
Remember, purchasing a fishing license not only allows you to enjoy the sport of fishing in Alabama but also supports the management, protection, and education of the state’s aquatic resources. Your license fees help fund important conservation efforts and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the thrill of fishing in Alabama’s waters.