What is a Minnesota Combination Angling License and How Does it Work in 2024?

In Minnesota, a combination angling license, identified by the code 112, allows a married couple to fish individually or together during the 2024-25 license year, which runs from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. This license is specifically designed for resident married couples who wish to enjoy fishing together or separately.

Purchasing a Combination Angling License

To purchase a combination angling license, both spouses must have a complete customer record on file with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). If either spouse does not have a record, they can create one by visiting a license sales location, calling the DNR License Center, or going online.

New for the 2024 license year, both spouses must be present to purchase a combination license in person. They must provide and verify their customer records on file with the DNR. This change was made to comply with state and federal laws requiring the collection of social security numbers for all applicants and to check for violations, unpaid fines, and child support revocation.

Combination angling licenses can also be purchased by telephone or online, but both spouses must have complete customer records on file with the DNR.

Benefits of a Combination Angling License

The main benefit of a combination angling license is the cost savings compared to purchasing two individual angling licenses. In 2024, the fee for a combination angling license is $40, while the fee for an individual angling license is $25. By purchasing a combination license, married couples can save $10 on their fishing licenses.

Another advantage of the combination angling license is the flexibility it provides. Each spouse can fish individually or together, and they each have their own possession limit. This means that if one spouse catches their limit, the other spouse can continue fishing until they reach their limit as well.

Other Fishing License Options

In addition to the combination angling license, Minnesota offers several other fishing license options for individuals and families:

• Individual angling license (code 111): A license for one person to fish.
• Individual sports license (code 216): A license for one person to hunt small game and fish.
• Combination sports license (code 217): A license that allows one spouse to hunt small game and fish, while the other spouse can only fish.
• Non-resident individual angling license (code 121): A license that allows a non-resident to fish anytime during the license year in Minnesota.
• Youth angling licenses: Residents younger than 16 do not need a fishing license, while non-residents ages 16 to 17 can purchase a youth angling license for $5.

Fishing licenses are effective from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025, and the purchase price goes into the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that can only be used for fish, wildlife, law enforcement, and certain other outdoor-related activities.

In conclusion, the Minnesota combination angling license is a convenient and cost-effective option for married couples who enjoy fishing together or separately during the 2024-25 license year. By understanding the requirements and benefits of this license, as well as the other fishing license options available, anglers can make an informed decision about the best license for their needs.