What You Need to Know About a Personal Fishing Permit

Getting a fishing permit takes a bit of time and effort. There are many options so it’s important to find the one that’s right for your needs. For example, there are different permits for saltwater fishing versus freshwater fishing. Likewise, you can’t use the same fishing license for personal fishing as you would for commercial fishing. If a personal permit is what you are looking for, consider the following information to be sure you purchase the correct one. 

Where You Want to Fish

Regulations vary from state to state and some locations have their own set of rules that must be followed. It’s vital to buy a fishing permit for the state in which you plan to fish. For most personal permits, that’s the state in which you reside. However, if you plan to fish in another state, you may need an additional license for that one. Be sure you understand what bodies of water are covered with the permit so you aren’t caught in a place that isn’t covered by your license. 

Dates of the Permit

Fishing permits have a duration from just one day to an entire year. This varies by state, but if you only want to do a bit of recreational fishing, a shorter-duration permit will cost less. However, if you are caught fishing outside the dates it covers, you could be subject to penalties and fines. Yearly permits will need to be renewed to keep them current and valid. Be sure you check yours often so that it doesn’t lapse and leave you without a permit while you wait for the new one. 

Equipment Used

You might be surprised to find out that some fishing licenses only allow the use of certain equipment and may limit the number of items you can use. The number of rods you can use in your fishing endeavor varies by state and is also influenced by the size of your boat. Be sure that you have a license for each person so that each rod is covered by the permit. Check on quotas and types of fishing equipment allowed and prohibited before you go fishing so that you are aware of what you can and can’t use. 

Your Boat Size and Type

Another factor when buying a fishing license is the type of boat you are using and the size of it. If you are steering a large boat with several passengers, each of them will need a fishing permit to be legal. If you’re in a small boat by yourself, your permit will suffice. If you are renting your boat, be sure you have the correct license for freshwater versus saltwater fishing. You might need both if you plan to be in both types of water. You’ll also need a special license for some types of fish and must adhere to all quotas and rules about catching them.

Do you need help determining the right fishing permit for your needs? The Commercial Fishing Permit Center is here for you. Contact us today and we can help you get through the entire process, from start to finish.