Who Needs a Fishing License in the United States in 2024?

In the United States, fishing regulations vary from state to state, but in general, anyone 16 years of age or older who fishes in public waters must have a valid fishing license. However, there are several exceptions and exemptions to this rule, which are determined by each individual state.

Fishing License Requirements by State

Each state has its own unique fishing regulations, including license requirements and exemptions. Here’s a summary of the fishing license requirements and exemptions for several states:

Florida: A license is required for residents and non-residents to legally fish freshwater and saltwater in Florida. Exemptions include children under 16, Florida residents who are fishing for mullet in fresh water with a valid Florida resident freshwater fishing license, and Florida residents saltwater fishing from land or a structure fixed to land who have been determined eligible for certain government assistance programs.
Delaware: A license is required for residents and non-residents to legally fish in Delaware. Exemptions include residents 65 and older, children under 16, and those fishing from a vehicle with a valid Delaware surf fishing vehicle permit.
Oklahoma: A license is required for residents and non-residents to legally fish in Oklahoma. Exemptions include residents with certain disabilities, resident disabled veterans with a disability rating of 60% or more, those participating in Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days, and certain other specific situations.

Exemptions for Seniors, Disabled, and Military Personnel

Many states offer exemptions or discounted licenses for senior citizens, disabled individuals, and active military personnel or veterans.

Senior Citizens: Residents 65 and older are often exempt from fishing license requirements or eligible for discounted licenses. For example, Delaware residents 65 and older are exempt from fishing license requirements, while Oklahoma residents 64 and older are exempt from the federal duck stamp requirement.
Disabled Individuals: Some states offer exemptions for residents with certain disabilities. For example, Oklahoma residents with a proven permanent disability that confines them to a wheelchair are exempt from hunting and fishing license requirements, while resident disabled veterans with a disability rating of 60% or more are exempt from fishing license requirements.
Military Personnel and Veterans: Active duty military personnel stationed in certain states may be eligible to purchase recreational licenses at the resident price. For example, active duty military personnel stationed in Delaware are eligible to purchase recreational licenses at the resident price. Some states also offer exemptions for disabled veterans, such as Oklahoma’s exemption for resident disabled veterans with a disability rating of 60% or more.

Other Exemptions and Exceptions

In addition to exemptions for seniors, disabled individuals, and military personnel, many states offer other exemptions and exceptions to fishing license requirements.

Children: Most states exempt children under a certain age (often 16) from fishing license requirements. For example, children under 16 are exempt from fishing license requirements in Florida, Delaware, and Oklahoma.
Fishing from a Licensed Vessel: Some states exempt individuals from fishing license requirements if they are fishing from a vessel where the owner has purchased a recreational vessel fishing license. For example, in Delaware, anyone age 16 and older who is fishing on a boat where the boat owner purchased a recreational Boat Fishing License is exempt from purchasing an individual fishing license.
Fishing on Private Property: Certain states exempt individuals from fishing license requirements when fishing on private property. For example, in Florida, those fishing in a fish pond of 20 acres or less which is located entirely within the private property of its owner are exempt from fishing license requirements.

It’s important to note that fishing license requirements and exemptions can change over time, so it’s always best to check with your state’s fish and wildlife department for the most up-to-date information before going fishing.