I get a lot of questions from parents trying to take their kids fishing. One of the first things they ask is, Do kids need a fishing license to fish? Some also ask if a parent needs a fishing license to help their child fish. Finally, more than a few are curious about how much does a fishing license cost. Well, there’s not much good having a website devoted to helping families take their kids fishing if I don’t have a post answering these critical questions!
Most states require that a child have a fishing license by the age of 16, but a few states require younger children to have them. Rest assured, no states require your four-year-old to have a fishing license, but I did see as young as 10. While not every state specifically addresses if a parent can help their kids fish without a license, many do have specific verbiage on this. The bottom line is that you are generally fine to bait a hook for your child and take off the fish. You might even be OK with casting. Once you start reeling, however, you are fishing and will need a license of your own. As to how much a fishing license costs? It’s all over the board ranging from $8.50 per resident in Delaware all the way up to $52.66 in California.
Because it all differs depending on where you live, I’ve gone ahead and researched the laws for all 50 states. I’ve looked at three specific things. First, I determine at what age a child needs a fishing license. Then, I discuss if a parent can help their child fish without a license of their own. Finally, I document how much a fishing license costs in each state in 2021. Make sure you keep reading after the chart as I’ll also discuss some common questions like how much is a fishing license at Wal-Mart, and if you need a fishing license for catch and release fishing.
At What Age Does a Child Need a Fishing License in All 50 States
Use the chart below to determine if children need a fishing license in your state, and how much a fishing license costs. I’m also going to list if each state allows you to buy a lifetime fishing license because that is important information you need to know NOW so you can set your kids up for a great life of fishing.
Originally I intended to talk about whether or not states have specific laws that discuss if a parent can help their child fish without a license. I found so few that had actual language for this that a boilerplate, “No – the parent needs a fishing license if they’re ‘fishing'” is the best answer.
DISCLAIMER: Be aware that I am not an attorney nor does this constitute legal advice. This is simply my interpretation of the laws in the latest state laws that I could find. When in doubt, reach out to a fish and game warden in your state.
| State | Age Child Needs a Fishing License | How Much Does a Fishing License Cost? (all prices reflect yearly cost) | Lifetime License Offered? |
| Alabama | Children under 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Alabama. No Alabama resident needs a fishing license if fishing from the bank with hook and line in the county where the live. | FRESHWATER: Residents $14.05 Non-Residents pay between $54.20 and $66.29 depending on home state. Non-Resident College Students pay $14.05 SALTWATER: Residents: $24.35 ($6.40 if only fishing from a pier) Non-Residents: From $52.20 to $91.10 depending on home state. | Residents only. |
| Alaska | Resident children under 18 do not need a fishing license in Alaska unless they’re guiding. Non-Resident children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Alaska. | Resident: $20.00 Non-Resident: $100.00 | No. |
| Arizona | Kids under the age of 10 don’t require a fishing license in Arizona. | Resident: $37.00 Non-Resident: $55.00 | Residents only. |
| Arkansas | Kids 16 years of age or older need a fishing license in Arkansas. | Resident: $10.50 Non-Resident: $50.00 | Residents only. |
| California | California requires children 16 years or older to have a fishing license. There is an exception for fishing from a public fishing pier in the ocean, where no license is required. | Resident: $52.66 Non-Resident: $142.50 | Residents only. |
| Colorado | Colorado requires any angler 18 or older to have a fishing license. | Resident: $36.08 Non-Resident: $100.57 | Impoverished seniors and a few select others only. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut requires all children aged sixteen or older to possess a fishing license. | ADULT Resident: $32.00 Non-Resident: $63.00 CHILD (16-17 years old) Resident: $16.00 Non-Resident: $63.00 Prices reflect all waters. Connecticut also offers inland fishing for a few bucks less. | Resident seniors 65+ only. |
| Delaware | All anglers 16 or older are required to have a fishing license in Delaware. | Resident: $8.50 Non-Resident: $20.00 Note that there’s also a $2.50 “agent fee.” Interestingly, Delaware also offers a “boat fishing license” that covers anyone fishing from that boat. The fees are: Resident Boat Fishing License: $40.00* Non-Resident Boat Fishing License: $40.00* *Note: it is $50.00 if the boat is over 20 feet long. | No. |
| Florida | Youths 16 or younger do not need a fishing license in Florida. | FRESHWATER: Resident: $17.00 Non-Resident: $47.00 SALTWATER: Resident: $17.00 Non-Resident: $47.00 | No. |
| Georgia | Children 16 years or younger do not need a fishing license in Georgia. | Resident: $15.00 Non-Resident: $50.00 | Yes – available to residents and non-residents. |
| Hawaii | All anglers in Hawaii must have al license. Minors are charged $4.00 | Resident: $6.00 ($4.00 for minors) Non-Resident: $26.00 | No. |
| Idaho | Resident children under 14 do not require a fishing license in Idaho. Non-resident children under 14 must be accompanied by someone who has a fishing license, or they can buy their own. | ADULT: Resident: $30.50 Non-Resident: $108.00 JUNIOR (14 – 17 years) Resident: $16.00 Non-Resident: $23.75 | Residents only. |
| Illinois | Children under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish in Illinois. | Resident: $15.00 Non-Resident: $31.50 | Residents only. |
| Indiana | Any angler 17 years or younger does not need a fishing license in Indiana. | Resident: $17 Non-Resident: $35 | Resident seniors only. |
| Iowa | Children younger than 16 do not need a fishing license in Iowa, but may need to purchase a trout fee. | Resident: $22.00 Non-Resident: $48.00 | Resident seniors only. |
| Kansas | Children 15 or younger do not need a fishing license in Kansas (there is a paddlefish permit they would need). | Resident: $27.50 Non-Resident: $52.50 | Residents only. |
| Kentucky | Kentucky requires anglers 16 and older to have a fishing license. | Resident: $23.00 Non-Resident: $55.00 | No. |
| Louisiana | Youths 15 and under don’t require a fishing license in Louisiana. | Resident: $9.50 Non-Resident: $60.00 | No. |
| Maine | Children 15 or younger do not need a fishing license in Maine. | Resident: $25 Non-Resident: $64 | Yes, but non-residents have an age cutoff. |
| Maryland | Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license in Maryland. | NON-TIDAL/FRESHWATER Resident: $20.50 Non-Resident: $30.50+ depending on state CHESAPEAKE BAY / COASTAL Resident: $15.00 Non-Resident: $22.50 | No. |
| Massachusetts | Children 15 or older need a fishing license in Massachusetts. Licenses are free for Massachusetts resident children aged 15-17, but still must be acquired. | ADULT Resident: $27.50 Non-Resident: $37.50 YOUTH (15-17): Resident: $0 Non-Resident: $11.50 Add $10 for saltwater to price of each. | No. |
| Michigan | Kids 17 and older need a fishing license in Michigan. | Resident: $26.00 Non-Resident: $76.00 | No. |
| Minnesota | All residents 15 or younger don’t need a fishing license in Minnesota. Non-residents 15 or younger don’t need a license, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who does. | ADULT Resident: $25.00 Non-Resident: $51.00 YOUTH (16-17): Resident: $5.00 Non-Resident: $5.00 | Yes. |
| Mississippi | Minors under the age of 16 do not require a fishing license in Mississippi. | FRESHWATER: Resident: $10.00 (plus $2.29 in fees) Non-Resident: $60 (plus $4.29 in fees) SALTWATER: Resident: $10.00 (plus $2.29 in fees) Non-Resident: $30.00 (plus $4.29 in fees) | Seniors only. |
| Missouri | Children 15 or younger don’t need a fishing license in Missouri. | Resident: $12.00 Non-Resident: $49.00 | Residents only. |
| Montana | Youths aged 0 – 11 do not need a fishing license. | ADULT Resident: $21.00 Non-Resident: $86.00 YOUTH (10-17): Resident: $10.50 Non-Resident: $86.00 Note: Montana also requires you to purchase a “conservation license” in addition to the fishing license. Resident: $8.00 Non-Resident: $10.00 Resident Youths (10-17): $4.00 Resident Seniors: $4.00 | Blind residents only. |
| Nebraska | Nebraska requires a fishing license for anyone aged 16 or over. | Resident: $38.00 Non-Resident: $84.00 | Yes. |
| Nevada | Any kid older than 12 years old needs a fishing license in Nevada. | Resident: $40.00 Non-Resident: $80.00 | No. |
| New Hampshire | Children less than 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in New Hampshire. | Resident: $45.00 Non-Resident: $63.00 | Residents only. |
| New Jersey | Kids 16 and older need a fishing license in New Jersey. | Resident: $22.50 Non-Resident: $34.00 | No. |
| New Mexico | Children 12 years or older need a fishing license in New Mexico. | ADULT: Resident: $25.00 Non-Resident: $56.00 JUNIOR (12-17): Resident: $5.00 Non-Resident: $15.00 | No. |
| New York | Children younger than 16 can fish without a license in New York. | Resident: $25.00 Non-Resident: $50.00 | Residents only. |
| North Carolina | Kids younger than 16 don’t need a fishing license in North Carolina. | INLAND: Resident: $25.00 Non-Resident: $45.00 COASTAL: Resident: $16.00 Non-Resident: $32.00 | Residents only (inland). Non-Residents can buy coastal lifetime licenses. |
| North Dakota | Children aged 16 or older need a fishing license in North Dakota. | Resident: $18.00 Non-Resident: $48.00 | No. |
| Ohio | Kids less than 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Ohio. | Resident: $25.00 Non-Resident: $50.96 | Residents only. |
| Oklahoma | Children 15 or younger do not need a fishing license in Oklahoma. | ADULT: Resident: $25.00 Non-Resident: $55.00 YOUTH (16-17): Resident: $5.00 Non-Resident: $55.00 | Residents only. |
| Oregon | Children 11 and younger fish for free in Oregon. | ADULT: Resident: $44.00 Non-Resident: $110.50 YOUTH (12-17) Resident: $10.00 Non-Resident: $10.00 | No. |
| Pennsylvania | Children younger than 16 don’t require a fishing license in Pennsylvania. | Resident: $22.97 Non-Resident: $52.97 | 10-year licenses are available. |
| Rhode Island | Children younger than 15 don’t need a fishing license in Rhode Island. | FRESHWATER: Resident: $18.00 Non-Resident: $35.00 SALTWATER: Resident: $7.00 Non-Resident: $10.00 | No. |
| South Carolina | Children 15 or younger don’t need a fishing license in South Carolina. | FRESHWATER: Resident: $10.00 Non-Resident: $35.00 SALTWATER: Resident: $10.00 Non-Resident: $35.00 | Resident Seniors only. |
| South Dakota | Children less than 16 do not need a fishing license in South Dakota. | ADULT: Resident: $28.00 Non-Resident: $67.00 YOUTH (16 – 17): Resident: $27.00 Non-Resident: $67.00 | No. |
| Tennessee | Children under 13 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Tennessee. | ADULT: Resident: $34.00 ($22.00 more for trout) Non-Resident: $50.00 (no trout), $99.00 with trout JUNIOR (13 – 15): Resident: $10.00 Non-Resident: $11.00 | Residents only. |
| Texas | Children under 17 years of age do not need a fishing license in Texas. | FRESHWATER: Resident: $30.00 Non-Resident: $58.00 SALTWATER: Resident: $35.00 Non-Resident: $63.00 | Residents only. |
| Utah | Kids 11 or younger don’t need a fishing license in Utah. | ADULT: Resident: $34.00 Non-Resident: $85.00 CHILDREN (14-17) Resident: $16.00 Non-Resident: $29.00 CHILDREN (12-13) Resident: $5.00 Non-Resident: $6.00 | No (there used to be one and some are grandfathered in). |
| Vermont | Children 15 or older need a fishing license in Vermont. | ADULT: Resident: $28.00 Non-Resident: $54.00 YOUTH (ages 15-17): Resident: $8.00 Non-Resident: $15.00 | Yes. |
| Virginia | Resident kids under 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Virginia. | FRESHWATER: Resident: $23.00 Non-Resident: $17.50 SALTWATER: Resident: $47.00 Non-Resident: $25.00 | Yes. |
| Washington | Kids 15 or older need a fishing license in Washington. Even kids younger than that need to carry a catch record card if going after certain species (salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab). | FRESHWATER Resident: $29.50 Non-Resident: $84.50 SALTWATER: Resident: $30.05 Non-Resident: $59.75 | No. |
| West Virginia | Children under 15 years of age don’t need a fishing license in West Virginia. | Resident: $19.00 Non-Resident: $37.00 Juniors (15-17): $16.00 regardless of residency | Residents only. |
| Wisconsin | Kids 15 and under fish for free in Wisconsin. | ADULTS: Resident: $20.00 Non-Resident: $50.00 JUNIORS: Resident (16-17): $7.00 Non-Resident: $50.00 | No. |
| Wyoming | Resident children under 14 don’t need a fishing license in Wisconsin. Non-residents don’t either, but must be accompanied by an adult who has one. | ADULT: Resident: $27.00 Non-Resident: $102.00 YOUTH (14-17): Resident: $3.00 Non-Resident: $15.00 | Residents only. |
Other Fees
Bear in mind that the prices listed above are, for the most part, the basic fee you’ll need to obtain a sportfishing license in a particular state. However, many states have “add ons” or other fees that you may need to purchase depending on what you want to fish. For example, Alaska has a king salmon stamp that costs residents $10. Other states have similar “extras” that you’ll need to be aware of, so make sure you check local regulations before heading out. For the most part, however, I can tell you that these fees don’t seem to apply if you’re largemouth bass fishing or going for panfish with your kids. They mostly revolve around trout, salmon, and certain saltwater fish.
What States Have a Lifetime Fishing License?
As of 2021, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming offer lifetime fishing licenses to their residents of all ages.
Georgia, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Vermont, and Virginia are the only states that allow non-residents to purchase lifetime fishing licenses in 2021.
Can I Take My Child Fishing Without a License?
As seen from the chart above, most states will allow a parent to take their child out fishing even if the parent doesn’t have a license. The trick is, the child must be the one doing the fishing – NOT THE PARENT. While a game warden might use their discretion to let you make a cast for a younger child, you can’t count on it. If you’re seen reeling it in or working the bait or lure in any way, or fighting the fish at all, you aren’t in compliance and could receive a ticket.
Do People 65 Years or Older Need a Fishing License?
Want to take Grandpa along for your fishing trip? He might not need a fishing license depending on where you live. Some states allow elders to fish for free, to acquire lifetime licenses, or to at least get a discount on their license.
DISCLAIMER: Again, remember that I am not an attorney nor does this constitute legal advice. This is simply my interpretation of the laws in the latest state laws that I could find. When in doubt, reach out to a fish and game warden in your state.
| State | Fishing License Required For The Elderly? |
| Alabama | Residents aged 65 and older are exempt from needing a fishing license. The exceptions are for spearfishing or for anyone fishing gulf reef fish. Alabama does offer an “optional” fishing license for residents 65 or older. Essentially, if you want to pay for a license to support conservation efforts, they’ll take your money. |
| Alaska | Alaskan residents 60 years or older can apply for a senior permanent identification card in lieu of a fishing license. |
| Arizona | Fishing license required. |
| Arkansas | A lifetime fishing license can be acquired by Arkansas residents 65 or older for $10.50. Various stamps such as trout stamps are also available for an additional fee. |
| California | Eligible low-income seniors may qualify for a reduced fee license in California. |
| Colorado | Colorado offers seniors a fishing license at a slightly lower price. Eligible low-income seniors can qualify for a lifetime fishing license. |
| Connecticut | Seniors 65+ qualify for a free lifetime fishing license in Connecticut. |
| Delaware | Delaware residents 65+ do not need a fishing license. |
| Florida | Florida residents 65+ do not need a fishing license. |
| Georgia | Seniors 65+ are eligible for a free lifetime fishing license in Georgia. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii charges seniors $1.00 for a freshwater fishing license. |
| Idaho | Fishing license required. |
| Illinois | Seniors can purchase a discounted fishing license for $7.75. |
| Indiana | Seniors are eligible for a discounted fishing license ($3.00) or to pay $17.00 for a “fish for life” license (those born 1943 or earlier). |
| Iowa | Seniors can purchase a lifetime fishing license in Iowa for $61.50. |
| Kansas | Seniors qualify for a less expensive fishing license in Kansas ($15.00). |
| Kentucky | Kentucky seniors can purchase a “senior sportsman” license for $12.00 which is less than the regular fishing license and includes deer permits). |
| Louisiana | Seniors qualify for a less expensive fishing license in Louisiana ($5.00). |
| Maine | Seniors 70+ can buy a lifetime license in Maine for $8.00. |
| Maryland | Resident seniors have a reduced cost license of $5.00. |
| Massachusetts | Residents 70+ fish for free in Massachusetts. |
| Michigan | Residents 65+ pay $11.00 for a fishing license in Michigan. |
| Minnesota | Residents 90 or older fish for free. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi seniors can purchase a lifetime senior fishing license for $5.00. |
| Missouri | Missouri residents aged 65+fish for free. |
| Montana | Resident seniors can purchase discounted fishing and conservation licenses in Montana. |
| Nebraska | Seniors qualify for a discounted fishing license in Nebraska. |
| Nevada | Fishing license required. |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire offers seniors a discounted license ($7.00) |
| New Jersey | Resident seniors qualify for a discounted fishing license in New Jersey ($12.50) |
| New Mexico | New Mexico residents aged 65-69 get a discounted fishing license. Those aged 70 or above can fish for free. |
| New York | New York offers resident seniors a discounted fishing license ($5.00) |
| North Carolina | North Carolina seniors qualify for some discounted license rates. |
| North Dakota | North Dakota seniors 65+ have a discounted fishing license ($5.00). |
| Ohio | Ohio residents born before 1937 can acquire a free fishing license. Other seniors qualify for a less expensive fishing license ($10.00). |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma seniors can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $15.00 once they turn 65. |
| Oregon | Oregon seniors 70 years or older qualify for a reduced cost fishing license ($29.00) |
| Pennsylvania | Seniors 65+ in Pennsylvania qualify for a reduced license ($11.97) or can purchase a lifetime license ($51.97). |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island residents over 65 can obtain a free lifetime fishing license. |
| South Carolina | Resident seniors may apply for a lifetime fishing license. |
| South Dakota | South Dakota resident seniors fish for a reduced rate ($12.00) |
| Tennessee | Seniors qualify for certain discounted licenses in Tennessee. |
| Texas | Texas offers seniors discounted fishing license costs. |
| Utah | Utah residents 65+ don’t require a fishing license. |
| Vermont | Permanent license available for Vermont residents aged 66 or older. |
| Virginia | Persons 65+ don’t need a fishing license to fish in saltwater in Virginia. |
| Washington | Seniors qualify for discounted fishing licenses in Washington. |
| West Virginia | Resident seniors 65+ don’t need a fishing license in West Virginia. |
| Wisconsin | Resident seniors 65+ fish for free in Wisconsin. |
| Wyoming | Resident seniors 65+ who have lived in Wyoming for 30 years can get a free fishing license. |
Who Else Doesn’t Need a Fishing License?
Generally speaking, people with significant disabilities or challenges may be exempt from fishing license laws. Some states require you to get a license (mostly so they can keep track of the number of anglers in the state), but the license will be free and occasionally is granted for the person’s entire lifetime.
In at least fifteen states, blind people are either exempt from needing a fishing license, or can acquire one for free. Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia all either allow the blind to fish without a license, or to acquire one for free.
Additionally, many states have laws that allow disabled veterans of certain classes (usually those with a 60% disability due to a service-connected disability) to acquire a free fishing license. There is a little paperwork required from the Veterans’ Administration. You can call the Veterans Benefits Section at 1-800-827-1000 for help applying for these licenses in your home state.
If you want to know about fishing accessibility laws in your state, MoveUnited has an interactive map with disabled fishing license laws for all fifty states that you use to check your local laws.
Do You Need a Fishing License for Catch and Release?
Yes. Regardless of if you will keep your catch, or release it, you need a fishing license. The license is not simply to keep fish, it is literally to put a hook and line in water and then retrieve it. Any type of “angling” is “fishing” regardless of if you’re successful and actually catch something. Thus, you still need a fishing license even if you intend to practice catch and release.
Can I Buy a Fishing License Online?
Most states now offer the ability to purchase fishing licenses online that you can print out at home. A few, like Connecticut, are even OK with your keeping a virtual copy in your phone (though you’re out of luck if you dunk it)! However, be aware that you MUST purchase a fishing license online from your state directly. Don’t buy it from any other place – there’s a good chance it is a scam. Your best bet is to google, “Online fishing license in [my state].” Make sure you’re on your states fish and wildlife website and you’ll be good to go (sometimes this information is found towards the bottom of the page).
How Much is a Fishing License at Wal-Mart?
One of the more convenient places to get a fishing license is Wal-Mart. Chances are, you have one (or four) near your home, and most all of them have a sporting department. The best part is that there is no surcharge for a fishing license at Wal-Mart. You will pay the same price as your state requirements.
Where Else Can I Get a Fishing License?
In addition to Wal-Mart, most tackle shops from mom and pop all the way on up to Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas will sell you a fishing license. You can also usually get one at your town hall or other places where official government business is conducted.
Why Do You Need a License to Fish?
Most states donate every cent you spend on a fishing license to conservation efforts. The money is used to stock fish in waters, to keep the lakes and streams clean, and to fund important research that can lead to better fishing for all. Purchasing a fishing license in a state very much makes you a stakeholder of the state’s local fisheries and is something you should be proud of. Wideopenspaces.com ran a piece a few years ago called, Where Does Your Hunting and Fishing License Money Go if you’d like to read more about the history of how this came to be.
Can I Buy a Short Term Fishing License for a Few Days?
All states that I checked offered the chance to purchase fishing licenses for shorter terms, typically 1 – 7 days. If you are headed to a state for vacation and want to book a fishing charter or just bring along your own rod, you should look into seeing what other options are available for fishing licenses in the state.
Can I Buy a Lifetime Fishing License?
Some states allow you to purchase a lifetime fishing license for a sizeable fee. For example, in Vermont, residents are allowed to purchase a lifetime fishing license for a set price. This is something you should consider doing as soon as your child is born! In Vermont, a lifetime fishing license purchased when a child is less than 1 years old costs $224 for residents, and $432 for non-residents up to 16 years of age. The second that child turns one years old, the price doubles! Thus, if you’re looking for a really good present for some new fishing parents, consider buying their children a lifetime fishing license.
Just to compare things further, once that same child turns 16 years old, their Vermont lifetime fishing license will cost a whopping $868 for residents, and $1674 for non-residents. It only starts to reduce (slightly) once you’re over 25 years old at which point a Vermont lifetime fishing license can be had for $728 for residents or $1404 for non-residents.
Note that these prices are of course subject to change. In Vermont, they go by a system where they multiply the current cost of a license times 8, 16, 31 or 26 to reach their price. Thus, if standard Vermont fishing licenses go up in price in the future (which, let’s face it, is likely), so will the lifetime ones. This is something you want to invest in early if your state also offers lifetime fishing licenses! I am kicking myself in the head for not having done this the second my kids were born as I routinely fish Vermont waters with my kids.
Conclusions
As you can tell, the rules are fairly standard across the board: younger children can usually fish without a fishing license, though some states require them to be accompanied by an adult who has one. Remember that these foregoing is simply my interpretation of the laws of the land, but as I am neither an attorney nor game warden, you should always double check before heading out there.
I hope this article helps you get out there and make some great memories with your kids and their grandparents. Thanks for reading.
John Paxton
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