Do I Need a Special License or Permit for Sport Fishing?

If you're an avid angler, you know that buying a fishing license is essential for enjoying the sport. In most states, licenses can be purchased online, over the phone, or at retail locations. Regulations vary from state to state, so it's important to understand the requirements in your area. In Mississippi, all residents aged sixteen to sixty-four must purchase a fishing license if they plan to fish in the state's fresh or marine waters.

This includes lakes and reservoirs, but not privately owned ponds and streams. If you're fishing south of the saltwater line*, you'll need to buy an additional saltwater license. This is true even if you're only looking for freshwater fish. In Washington, you must not be licensed to fish or hunt as a resident in another state in order to qualify for a resident's license.

In Arkansas, anyone aged sixteen or older must carry a valid fishing license if they plan to capture or attempt to capture aquatic wildlife, unless they're fishing in an authorized “put and take” paid lake. In Louisiana, residents aged seventeen to sixty-four must purchase a non-Texas resident fishing license when fishing in Texas waters, except in border waters. This license replaces basic and saltwater fishing licenses; basic deer, waterfowl and turkey hunting licenses; and the AMM access permit. Residents aged sixty-five and older are exempt from this requirement when fishing in any public water in Louisiana (both freshwater and saltwater).

They must still have a valid Louisiana senior's license and comply with Texas law when fishing in Texas waters. The Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise license includes basic and saltwater fishing licenses; basic deer, waterfowl and turkey hunting licenses; the WMA access permit; and all legal equipment privileges, except trawls larger than twenty-five feet. This program is funded by taxes paid by manufacturers, producers and importers of sport fishing equipment, as well as taxes on fuel for small engines and motorboats paid by recreational boaters.

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