Fishing with two rods can be a great way to save time and catch the bag limit for fish. However, it’s important to understand state and federal guidelines when it comes to fishing with more than one pole.
Generally, it is acceptable to fish with two rods in the United States, although each state has its own rules and regulations for fishing with two rods. There are various bodies of water that may not regulate the use of more than one pole. Be sure to check government regulations before fishing.
Numerous factors allow fishermen and anglers to fish with two or more fishing rods, and the rules can vary generally from each state to as specific to each body of water. Keep reading to find out if you can use two rods in your state!
Regulations for Fishing with Two Rods in Each State
To understand whether you can fish with two rods, the table below provides an answer for each state along with additional necessary information.
| State | Can you fish with two Rods? |
| Alabama | There is no limit on rods except for Weiss and Neely Henry Lakes with a limit of 3 poles. |
| Alaska | You can only use two rods while ice fishing, only one rod while reel fishing. |
| Arizona | Yes. |
| Arkansas | Yes, you can use two poles unless otherwise posted. |
| California | Yes, with a purchase of a second-rod validation. |
| Colorado | Yes, only with a purchase of additional rod stamps. |
| Connecticut | Yes, you can even fish with up to 3 rods. |
| Delaware | Yes. |
| Florida | Yes, with angler fishing there are no limits on the number of rods. |
| Georgia | No. |
| Hawaii | Yes, but it can depend on the bay in which you are fishing. |
| Idaho | Yes, but you must purchase a two-pole permit. |
| Illinois | Yes, most lakes allow two rods unless specified otherwise. |
| Indiana | Yes, there is no rod limit. |
| Iowa | Yes. |
| Kansas | Yes. |
| Kentucky | Yes, you can utilize as many rods as you would like. |
| LouisianaYes, there is no limit to fishing rods. | |
| Maine | Yes, you can use two lines while fishing in open water and 5 while ice fishing. |
| Maryland | Yes, you can use up to 3 lines. |
| Massachusetts | Yes. |
| Michigan | Yes, although the number of rods may vary on each body of water. |
| Minnesota | No, you may only use one fishing pole when the water isn’t frozen. |
| Mississippi | Yes, you can use up to 5 poles. |
| Missouri | Yes. |
| Montana | Yes. |
| Nebraska | Yes. |
| Nevada | Yes. |
| New Hampshire | Yes. |
| New Jersey | Yes, the limit is three rods. |
| New Mexico | Yes. |
| New York | Yes. |
| North Carolina | Yes. |
| North Dakota | Yes. |
| Ohio | Yes. |
| Oklahoma | Yes. |
| Oregon | Yes, two-rod fishing is allowed with a two-rod validation in specified bodies of water (lakes, ponds, reservoirs) |
| Pennsylvania | Yes. |
| Rhode Island | Yes. |
| South Carolina | Yes. |
| South Dakota | Yes, and you can use 4 rods for ice fishing. |
| Tennessee | No. |
| Texas | Yes. |
| Utah | Yes, whether you are under the age of 12 or if you have a valid fishing license. |
| Vermont | Yes. |
| Virginia | Yes. |
| Washington | Yes, although some bodies of water do not allow two fishing rods. |
| West Virginia | Yes, but no more than 2 rods. |
| Wisconsin | Yes, or one pole with 3 baits. |
| Wyoming | Yes. |
In the table above, it is clear that most states in the US allow fishers to use two fishing rods, with the exception of Tennessee, Minnesota, and Georgia. Each state also has its own rules and regulations regarding bodies of water, seasons, and amounts of lines and baits.
To understand the laws of each state, it is best to go on to the specific state’s federal website to see how many fishing rods are allowed. These websites will also have information on which bodies of water may not allow two rods.
Certain states have a necessary permit, stamps, or validation to purchase on top of a regular fishing license, such as Colorado, Idaho, California, and Oregon. Most states do not require special permits or validations for two-rod fishing.
There are also certain states, such as Alaska and Minnesota, that allow two rods while ice fishing and only one while the water is not frozen. In most cases, certain states will allow more fishing rods while ice fishing in comparison to bait fishing on open waters.
A good rule of thumb before fishing with two or more rods is to check the state’s rules and regulations to be sure that you are meeting the requirements before you decide to go fishing. It is also important to note that rules are subject to change over time, so it is wise to check the state’s regulations annually to be sure that you are up to date with the fishing laws.
For example, back in 2009, Michigan allowed the use of three rods, but as of 2021, they no longer allow more than one rod (unless ice fishing). This is why it is important to stay up to date with the rules and regulations every single year.
Be Aware of Fishing Lines and Hooks
Although most states allow two or more rods, anglers must be aware of regulations of fishing lines and hooks. For example, Wisconsin can allow three rods, unless a fisher is using one rod with 3 lines. In the Ohio codes, it is unlawful for anyone using a bank line to use more than one hook.
Using multiple lines on a rod can be in similitude to using multiple rods. Most states only allow a single line per rod. While using multiple lines, the angler must be following the state’s laws on how many hooks are allowed per line.
The number of hooks allowed can vary greatly from state to state, so it is always crucial to check the state’s fishing regulations on the state’s website. For example, Montana only allows two hooks per line (with a maximum of two lines) while Kansas allows anglers to use up to 8 lines with two hooks per line.
These rules and regulations are subject to change over time, so it is necessary to check your state’s fishing regulations before fishing with multiple lines or hooks.
