Fishing is a popular pastime in Alabama, with the state offering a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. However, before you can cast your line, it’s important to understand the licensing requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of fishing licenses available in Alabama and who needs them.
Resident Fishing Licenses
If you’re an Alabama resident, you’ll need a fishing license if you’re between the ages of 16 and 64. The good news is that Alabama residents 65 and older are exempt from purchasing a fishing license, provided they have a valid Alabama driver’s license, non-driver ID, or proof of permanent Alabama residence and age while fishing.
There are several types of resident fishing licenses available in Alabama:
Annual Fishing License: This license allows you to fish in public freshwaters for a full year.
Annual Wildlife Heritage License: In addition to fishing in public freshwaters, this license also allows you to fish from the bank with hook and line (live bait only) in your county of residence without purchasing an additional license, hunt small game (except waterfowl) on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas, and shoot at WFF-managed shooting ranges.
Daily Public Fishing Lakes License: This license is valid only in state-owned county public fishing lakes and must be purchased on-site or at the local probate office.
Annual Spearfishing License: This license allows a completely submerged person to spear commercial or non-game fish in freshwater or saltwater.
Annual Wirebasket License: This license allows you to use one basket (maximum of four per license year) to catch non-game fish in public freshwaters.
Residents can also purchase lifetime fishing licenses, which require no renewal.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
If you’re a non-resident of Alabama, you’ll need a fishing license if you’re 16 years of age or older. This license is required for fishing in any public waters, regardless of the tackle used.
Non-residents have the following fishing license options:
Annual Fishing License: This license allows you to fish in public freshwaters for a full year.
7-Day Fishing License: This license is valid for seven consecutive days.
Annual Saltwater Fishing License: This license is required only in certain areas of the Mississippi Sound, Mobile Bay, Bon Secour Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Non-residents can also purchase an Annual Public Fishing Lakes License, which is valid for fishing in any Alabama state-owned county public fishing lake.
How to Purchase a Fishing License
You can purchase an Alabama fishing license in several ways:
Online: Visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website to purchase your license online using a credit or debit card. You can immediately print your license.
In Person: Visit any license agent, such as a sporting goods store, bait and tackle shop, or county probate office, to purchase your license.
By Mail: Print an application from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website and mail it to the address provided, along with your payment.
When purchasing a fishing license, you’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, address, driver’s license or ID number, Social Security number (for U.S. residents), and payment.
Alabama’s Free Fishing Day
Each year, Alabama offers a Free Fishing Day, which provides an opportunity for anyone to enjoy fishing in public waters without a license. This is a great way for beginners to try fishing without the added expense of a license.
In conclusion, understanding the fishing license requirements in Alabama is essential for anglers of all ages and residency statuses. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, there are various license options available to suit your fishing needs. By purchasing the appropriate license and adhering to the state’s fishing regulations, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding fishing experience in Alabama’s beautiful waters.