Any good fisherman knows that they need a license when going out for the morning’s catch. However, does practicing catch and release mean you still need a license? Let’s find out.
It is typically illegal in most states to practice any kind of fishing activity without a license, and that includes catch and release. However, rules and regulations do vary from state to state. It is wise to become familiar with said regulations in each state before purchasing a license.
Want to know more? Read on to learn about fishing license regulations in each state!
When Do I Need a Fishing License?
As mentioned before, you typically need a fishing license for any kind of fishing activity, whether that is catch and release or catch and keep. Here are a few instances in which you will most likely need a fishing license:
One of the first things you ought to know is that there are several different types of fishing licenses, which means you will need to look into where you are fishing and what kind of water you are fishing in. Again, these rules and licenses vary from state to state, so look into those regulations before heading out. In Maine, for example, most all fishermen/anglers have to apply for a freshwater license, but they must also apply for a saltwater license if they ever want to fish offshore.
In other states, like California, you don’t actually need a fishing license if you are fishing on a public pier. In some states, you are required to get cards for different types of fish—a trout card, for example. In Louisiana, there are even some restrictions on what kind of equipment you can use to go fishing. Conversely, in Michigan, you are usually allowed to catch amphibians and crawdads with a fishing license as well. So, as you can see, there are dozens of varying regulations. Make sure to do your research before heading out!
There are different types of fishing licenses for different kinds of people. For example, fishing licenses for minors can often be purchased at a discount or even for free in some states. Adults usually have to purchase theirs at 25-30 dollars in most states. Seniors, veterans, and sometimes the disabled might also be able to get a discounted or free license as well. Additionally, you may also be able to get a discount on your license if you are a native to whichever state you are fishing in.
Regulations in the States
It is safe to say that you need a fishing license in all 50 United States for any kind of fishing activity. In some states like California, you do not need a license if you are fishing on a public pier, whether you are practicing catch and release or just ordinary catch and keep. California also has two free fishing days a year in which anybody can participate. Some states require ages 12 and up to have a license, whereas most others require ages 16 and up to have a license. Usually, seniors (ages 65 and up) can fish for a discount or for free, as mentioned previously.
Additionally, in most states, you do not need a fishing license if you are fishing in a pond on private property. This only applies to you, however, if you are the pond owner, a friend, relative, or guest of the owner. As long as the pond has no inlets or outlets to other bodies of water, you should be golden. One example of an exception to this is the state of Michigan. Because most instances require you to have a Public Waters Stocking Permit (PWSP) to stock your lake, a fishing license is still a necessity.
Why You Need a License: Consequences for Fishing Without One
You might be asking, why is a fishing license such a big deal? Fishing licenses and permits are used to control fish species populations and to regulate how many anglers are permitted to fish in the states. It also helps to promote wildlife management and prevent illegal fishing. As bothersome as it might sound, getting a fishing license is necessary and often worth it in the end.
There are a few conditions upon which the Wildlife Board will let you off easy for fishing without a license. Your license might have expired and you didn’t know, you might not know you needed a license, you may have gotten the age requirement wrong, etc. If you did not fish without a license knowingly, you probably will not get in trouble.
If you fish without a fishing license knowingly, the range of potential consequences is fairly wide. You could very well be let off with a warning and have any caught fish confiscated. In most states, fines can have a range from $500 to $1,000 or more. In Utah, for example, fishing without a fishing license is a class B misdemeanor that can be penalized by up to six months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. In Florida, however, fishing without a license is a level one offense and not a criminal offense.
The fines you will have to pay for each repeated offense will grow steadily larger. A first-time fine is usually more than $50 and, as said before, can get up to $1,000. If you are a repeat/constant offender, you will most definitely have to spend time in prison. In addition to that, it is also likely that you will have your license suspended. That suspension could last as long as three years or even longer.
If you are in constant violation of fishing laws, the conservation officer will be able to seize any possessions they might find reasonable. If your list of offenses is long enough, you may have to pay a fine as large as $25,000 or spend increased time in jail (up to one year).
Purchasing a Fishing License
Thankfully, purchasing and printing off a fishing license is fairly easy nowadays. Again, it is a slightly different process from state to state, but the process is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is go online to the Hunting and Fishing website for your state. You can fill out the form, submit your payment, and just print it off right at home. You can also purchase a fishing license at any local Walmart store.
