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Alabama is known for the Mobile Delta, its rich rivers, and freshwater and saltwater fishing. Whether you are spending a family weekend or just want to take in the pristine views, Alabama is the perfect place for you! With a strip of salt water along the Gulf of Mexico, peaceful streams, and wetlands, your fishing license will definitely come in handy. The backup is just a few clicks away! You can get yours through the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website or through the fishing shop, an authorized agent.
You can apply for a Florida fishing license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website. You can also choose to buy one in person from authorized resellers or from local sports stores near you. The links in this section will help you learn more about license fees and requirements for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
As with any activity, you need to familiarize yourself with the do\’s and don\’ts of sport before your trip. Local freshwater and saltwater fishing laws vary, so be sure to check with the area you are visiting to avoid any problems during your vacation. You can browse Alabama local fishing laws on this website.
Taking home the bacon, or in this case a largemouth bass, is something anglers look forward to. However, Alabama is promoting capture and release practices to conserve marine life and gives you the option to release your precious catch instead of taking it home.
There are three things you need when you want to spend quality time with family and friends fishing in one of Alabama\’s reservoirs or enjoying the beauty of fishing an Alabama mountain stream, quiet wetland, or Mobile Delta. The first is thorough knowledge of all applicable state fisheries laws and regulations; the second is an excellent itinerary and necessary equipment; and of course a fishing license.
Getting a fishing license in Alabama is very easy. You can choose between the different types offered. However, if you are new to the state this can be very confusing. But no worry. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about fishing licenses in the state of Alabama.
The Basics: What Licenses / Permits Do You Need To Fish In Alabama?
There are two main licenses available in the state of Alabama. One is the freshwater fishing license, which allows you to experience the thrill of catching largemouth bass or bream in any of Alabama\’s freshwater sanctuaries, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The second is the saltwater fishing license. This license grants the licensee the right to fish or own fish in saltwater areas of Alabama.
Who Must Get an Alabama Fishing License?
Both residents and non-residents must obtain either a saltwater or freshwater fishing license before they can fish or bring fish in Alabama\’s state waters. However, if you are one of the following you do NOT need to purchase a fishing license:
- Residents under 16 years of age
- Inhabitants 65 and older
- Resident landowners and immediate family members, including:
- Spouse of the landowner
- Landowner\’s children if residents of Alabama
- Parents of landowner if resident of Alabama
- Brothers and / or sisters of the landowner if residents of Alabama
- If the landowner has a tenant who lives on the property, he and his immediate family members living on the property are exempt from the obligation to obtain a hunting license.
NOTE: If the member of the immediate family has moved out of the state, they will be considered a non-resident regardless of whether or not they hold an Alabama driver\’s license. The landowner\’s grandchildren are NOT exempt.
- Residents who are at home on military leave (must have ID and papers in their possession)
- Non-residents under 16 years of age
Please refer to the matrix below to determine whether or not you need to purchase a fishing license.
| You are… | Residents | Not resident |
| AGE | 16-64 | 16+ |
| Hook and line fishing from the shore (public waters) in the county you live in | no | N / A |
| Military based in Alabama | Yes | Stationed in Alabama (30 days or more) can acquire a residence permit |
| Military visit to Alabama | At home on vacation: No license required (copy of vacation papers required) | buy from not resident License required |
Where can I buy an Alabama fishing license?
There are several ways to get an Alabama fishing license. Whatever is most convenient for you, you can purchase your license using one of the following methods:
Go in. They are available across the state from approximately 275 specialty licensing agents in many sports stores, marinas, and all county courts in all parts of the state. You can find the closest license agent in your area by using the Agent location map.
By post. You can also purchase an Alabama fishing license by submitting completed applications, due payment, and a copy of your driver\’s license to Attn: License Sales, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division, 64 N. Union St., Suite 567, Montgomery, AL 36104. For application packages, call (334) 242-3465.
By email. You can also email your completed application form and payment to dcnr.wfflicense@dcnr.alabama.gov or visit the Outdoor Alabama website.
Various fishing licenses in Alabama
The state of Alabama offers various types of licenses to residents and non-residents alike. The licensee\’s age, period of validity, and residence status of an applicant all play a role in calculating the fee payable when purchasing an Alabama fishing license. A summary of these licenses can be found in the following matrix.
Residency Licenses
Who Is Considered a Resident of Alabama?
Bona Fide Alabama residents must present a driver\’s license or non-driver\’s license to a local licensing agent. In the case of Bona Fide residents without a driver\’s license or non-driver\’s license, those residents must go to their local estate office or driver\’s license with proof of residence. Conversely, if you have an Alabama driver\’s license or non-driver ID and a valid driver\’s license from another state, you are considered a non-resident.
Non-resident licenses
| category | License type | Description / info | fee | |
| Sport fishing license | Fresh water: Yearly | Required for foreigners aged 16 and over. Required in all public waters, regardless of the device used. Special fishing license fees may apply for residents of Florida, Georgia. | – | $ 53.30 |
| Fresh water: 7 day trip | Travel licenses are valid for 168 consecutive hours. | $ 29.95 | ||
| Salt water: Yearly | – | $ 52.20 | ||
| Salt water: 7 day trip | Travel licenses are valid for 168 consecutive hours. | $ 28.85 | ||
| Public fishing lakes. Daily fishing license | Daily | Instead of a regular fishing license, a non-resident can buy to fish at any time The WFF Division owned the Public Fishing Lake. (Not valid in other public reservoirs, Lakes and rivers.) | The trip is valid for 1 day | $ 7.50 |
| Yearly | Expires on August 31st | $ 12.95 | ||
| License for a family outing for freshwater fishing | Freshwater excursion | Allows non-residents to have up to 4 more immediate ones Family members to theirs. to add Sport fishing license. | Trip is valid for 3 days | $ 29.95 |
| Physicallay 3-day event license for handicapped freshwater fishing | Freshwater excursion | The event must be approved by DCNR. Allows up to 20 physically handicapped people Individuals and their assistants for fishing on an event license. $ 5.00 for each additionally participate. | – | $ 100.00 |
| Salt water ride | – | $ 100.00 | ||
| Commercial freshwater fishing license | Fresh water advertising | As with a non-resident license in the applicant\’s state of residence, please call 334-242-3465. Valid: October 1st, 2019 – September 30th, 2020 | Varies | |
| Retail sale of freshwater fish | Required for sales of commercial or non-wild fish direct to the consumer. Valid: October 1st, 2019 – September 30th, 2020 | $ 11.00 | ||
| Freshwater fish wholesale | Required to sell commercial or non-wild fish for resale. Valid: October 1st, 2019 – September 30th, 2020 | $ 26.00 | ||
| Freshwater mussel license | Catcher | Includes residents with proof of residence for less than 12 months. Valid: October 1st, 2019 – September 30th, 2020 | $ 751.00 | |
| Dealer or buyer | Includes residents with proof of residence for less than 12 months. Valid: October 1st, 2019 – September 30th, 2020 | $ 301.00 | ||
| Spear fishing license | Yearly | Valid for fresh and salt water. Must also have a corresponding sport fishing license. | $ 8.50 | |
| 7 day trip | $ 3.50 |
Fishing regulations and daily limits
The state of Alabama implements several fishing laws and regulations to maintain the health of its fishing grounds. Please obey all rules when fishing within the state\’s jurisdiction. For a complete guide to the regulations implemented by Alabama
frequently asked Questions
Q: I am 65 years old and live in Alabama. Do I have to purchase a hunting or fishing license?
No. Alabama residents who are 65 years of age or older are not required to purchase a license. You must provide proof of residence and age, e.g. B. An Alabama driver\’s license, etc.
Q: Why is my social security number required when purchasing a hunting / fishing license?
State and federal laws require your Social Security number when purchasing or renewing recreational licenses.
Q: Does Alabama have a disabled fishing license?
Yes. Alabama has an annual freshwater fishing license with a physical disability for those residents who are 100% permanently disabled. An application must be completed along with the approved documents. This can be obtained from your local estate office, licensing officer, or our Montgomery office.