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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
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 requires anglers to be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
Hawaii does not have any age requirements for non-commercial fishing.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 requires anglers to be 15 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
In New York, you must be 16 years of age or older to purchase a fishing license.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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