ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Fishing is an activity enjoyed by a huge number of people throughout the world. Many people enjoy the thrill and the patience required to become a successful angler. There are others who go fishing for financial reasons, fish is a highly valued food item. In the United States, you will need a license to go fishing. In this article, we’ll discuss these requirements in detail.
An Introduction To The Fishing License
A fishing license is a permit that gives a person the legal permission to fish in the public areas. Normally managed by state agencies such as the Fish And Wildlife Department or the Department of Fish and Game, it plays an important role in preventing overfishing from taking place. There is no nationwide or national fishing license policy within the United States; each state has their own fishing permit system.
Fishing Licenses And The Different Types
In the United States, all states require a license to go fishing. But the types of fishing licenses available differ from one state to another. The permit is also state-specific, which means you require a separate fishing license for each state. But some states that share the same body of water may allow permits from neighboring other states.
Generally, in the United States, the following fishing licenses are available:
- • Resident and non-resident,
- • Freshwater and saltwater,
- • Recreational and commercial.
Resident And Non-Resident License
State citizens qualify for resident fishing licenses, while out-of-state folks must buy a non-resident license. Resident fishing permits cost less and come with more options. For example, for residents in some states, there is the option of buying a lifetime fishing license. That choice is not always open to the out-of-state person.
Freshwater And Saltwater License
Saltwater describes any kind of fishing in a saltwater environment, such as the ocean or a bay. Freshwater, in contrast, refers to fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams. The types of licenses you can obtain will depend on the fishing opportunities and the rules laid out by the state. For instance, in Maine, all anglers have to obtain a freshwater license. To go offshore fishing, a saltwater permit needs to be added on top.
Recreational & Commercial License
Recreational licenses are aimed at hobbyist anglers not seeking to sell their catch. Commercial licenses are for professionals who wish to sell the fish they catch and obtain financial benefits. These licenses are available for both residents and non-residents. Commercial licenses have strict regulations and quotas to ensure the fish population is balanced and well maintained.
Other Types Of Licenses
There are a plethora of other types and combinations of fishing licenses available. For instance, junior and senior licenses are based on a person’s age. Then there are the species permits that allow a person to catch certain types of marine wildlife, such as tarpons or crabs. You also have the federal permit, where some states require a person to register if they want to fish in certain areas. Determining your fishing needs and checking with your state is the best approach.
Fishing On Private Property
Most states don’t require you to obtain a license to fish on private property, but you must gain the permission of the owner. There are, however, 10 states which do not permit fishing on private property. This list includes Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Nevada.
What Are The Documents Needed To Obtain A Fishing License?
Requirements usually vary from state to state, but in general, the following documentation is required to obtain a fishing license in many of the states:
- • Proof of identity such as a passport or driving license,
- • Proof of residency (for those who want a residence license). For this purpose, a driving license or a state-issued I.D. is required,
- • Proof of age. You can use a passport, birth certificate, or other government issued identification,
- • Social security number for U.S. Residents.
How To Apply
You can apply online, by post, in person, or by telephone. You will need to provide your personal information documentation along with payment details. To find out how and where to get a fishing license for your state, use the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website through this link here.
You will need a license for each state, as no federal licensing programs exist. Therefore you must obtain a fishing license for each state you visit. However, bordering states may have their own agreements; you must check with the relevant state authorities before fishing. For instance, license holders in Georgia can use their permits in certain waters in Alabama.
Cost and validity
The cost of a fishing license is generally inexpensive but varies from state to state. For instance, in Massachusetts, a resident can obtain an annual freshwater license for $26. In Florida, the same permit costs $17.
There are different types of licenses, from daily, weekly, and annual to lifetime memberships. You will need to check with your state on the different types and choose a suitable license.
Let’s Go Fishing!
Fishing is a wonderful hobby enjoyed by millions of Americans. To enjoy this amazing pastime, people need to obtain a license. The requirements and the types of licenses available differ from state to state. But obtaining a fishing license is inexpensive and readily available.