Fishing is a popular pastime enjoyed by millions of people across the United States. However, before you can cast your line and reel in the big one, you need to make sure you have the proper licensing in place. One of the most common questions anglers have is, “What age do you need a fishing license?” The answer varies from state to state, but in general, you need to be at least 16 years old to purchase a fishing license in most states. Let’s take a closer look at the fishing license age requirements for each state in 2024.
Alabama
In Alabama, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. However, residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Alaska
Alaska requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Arizona
In Arizona, you must be 10 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 10 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Arkansas
Arkansas requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
California
In California, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Colorado
Colorado requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 64 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Delaware
Delaware requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
Florida
In Florida, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, and residents who are 65 years of age or older are exempt from needing a fishing license.
Georgia
Georgia requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
Hawaii
Hawaii does not have any age requirements for non-commercial fishing.
Idaho
In Idaho, you must be 14 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 14 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Illinois
Illinois requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Indiana
In Indiana, you must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 18 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Iowa
Iowa requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Kansas
In Kansas, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Kentucky
Kentucky requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Maine
Maine requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 70 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Maryland
In Maryland, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires anglers to be 15 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
Michigan
In Michigan, you must be 17 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 17 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Minnesota
Minnesota requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 90 years of age or older can fish for free.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Missouri
Missouri requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Montana
In Montana, you must be 12 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 12 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Nebraska
Nebraska requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 69 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Nevada
In Nevada, you must be 12 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 12 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 68 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
New Mexico
New Mexico requires anglers to be 12 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 12 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
New York
In New York, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
North Carolina
North Carolina requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 70 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Ohio
Ohio requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 66 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Oregon
Oregon requires anglers to be 12 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 12 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can fish for free.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
South Dakota
South Dakota requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, you must be 13 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 13 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Texas
Texas requires anglers to be 17 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 17 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Utah
In Utah, you must be 12 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 12 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Vermont
Vermont requires anglers to be 15 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 70 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Virginia
In Virginia, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 16 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Washington
Washington requires anglers to be 15 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 15 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, you must be 15 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 15 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, you must be 14 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license. Children under 14 can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
As you can see, the age requirements for fishing licenses vary from state to state. In most states, you need to be at least 16 years of age to purchase a fishing license, but there are some exceptions. Some states, like Arizona and Montana, allow children as young as 10 or 12 to fish with a license, while others, like Indiana and Texas, require anglers to be 18 or 17 years of age or older.
Many states also offer discounted or free fishing licenses for seniors, disabled individuals, and active military personnel. It’s important to check the specific regulations for the state you plan to fish in to ensure you have the proper licensing in place.
In addition to age requirements, there are also some exemptions to needing a fishing license. For example, in Hawaii, there are no age requirements for non-commercial fishing. In Florida, residents who are 65 years of age or older are exempt from needing a fishing license.
Regardless of your age or state, it’s important to always check the fishing regulations and have the proper licensing in place before you go fishing. Not only is it the law, but it also helps support conservation efforts and ensures that our waterways remain healthy and thriving for generations to come.