Introduction
Fishing is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by millions of people around the world. In the United States, anyone who wants to fish in public waters must first obtain a fishing license. Depending on the state you live in, the cost of a fishing license can vary significantly. In this article, we’ll explore how much fishing licenses cost and how to budget for them.
How to Budget for a Fishing License: Breaking Down the Costs
Before we look at the cost of fishing licenses across the US, let’s take a closer look at what types of fishing licenses are available and how much they cost. Generally speaking, there are four types of fishing licenses: annual, short-term, special use, and lifetime. Annual licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase, while short-term licenses are valid for anywhere from one day to several weeks. Special use licenses are issued for specific activities such as tournaments or research projects, and lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the permit holder.
The cost of fishing licenses depends on a variety of factors, including the type of license, the age of the permit holder, residency status, and the state in which the license is purchased. For example, a resident annual fishing license in California costs $47.01, while a non-resident annual license costs $135.71. The same license in Oregon costs $45.50 for residents and $92.50 for non-residents.
A State-by-State Look at Fishing License Fees
In order to gain a better understanding of the cost of fishing licenses in the US, let’s take a look at each state individually. Every state has its own licensing requirements and fees, so it’s important to be aware of the regulations in your state before you head out to fish.
In Alabama, both residents and non-residents can purchase an annual fishing license for $13.50. In Alaska, residents can purchase an annual fishing license for $25, while non-residents pay $145. In Arizona, a resident annual fishing license costs $37, while a non-resident license costs $55. In Arkansas, an annual fishing license costs $10 for residents and $40 for non-residents.
In California, a resident annual fishing license costs $47.01, while a non-resident license costs $135.71. In Colorado, a resident annual fishing license costs $34, while a non-resident license costs $96. In Connecticut, a resident annual fishing license costs $19, while a non-resident license costs $56. In Delaware, an annual fishing license costs $11.50 for residents and $31.50 for non-residents.
In Florida, a resident annual fishing license costs $17, while a non-resident license costs $47. In Georgia, a resident annual fishing license costs $15, while a non-resident license costs $35. In Hawaii, an annual fishing license costs $5 for residents and $50 for non-residents. In Idaho, a resident annual fishing license costs $14.75, while a non-resident license costs $90.25.
In Illinois, a resident annual fishing license costs $15.50, while a non-resident license costs $40.50. In Indiana, an annual fishing license costs $17 for residents and $35 for non-residents. In Iowa, a resident annual fishing license costs $19, while a non-resident license costs $50. In Kansas, an annual fishing license costs $27.50 for residents and $52.50 for non-residents.
In Kentucky, a resident annual fishing license costs $20, while a non-resident license costs $55. In Louisiana, an annual fishing license costs $9.50 for residents and $60 for non-residents. In Maine, a resident annual fishing license costs $29, while a non-resident license costs $65. In Maryland, an annual fishing license costs $20.50 for residents and $45.50 for non-residents.
In Massachusetts, a resident annual fishing license costs $28, while a non-resident license costs $68. In Michigan, an annual fishing license costs $26 for residents and $76 for non-residents. In Minnesota, a resident annual fishing license costs $22, while a non-resident license costs $52. In Mississippi, an annual fishing license costs $15.50 for residents and $50.50 for non-residents.
In Missouri, a resident annual fishing license costs $12, while a non-resident license costs $42. In Montana, an annual fishing license costs $20 for residents and $85 for non-residents. In Nebraska, a resident annual fishing license costs $23, while a non-resident license costs $68. In Nevada, an annual fishing license costs $33.50 for residents and $80.50 for non-residents.
In New Hampshire, a resident annual fishing license costs $35, while a non-resident license costs $85. In New Jersey, an annual fishing license costs $22.50 for residents and $67.50 for non-residents. In New Mexico, a resident annual fishing license costs $25, while a non-resident license costs $55. In New York, an annual fishing license costs $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents.
In North Carolina, a resident annual fishing license costs $20, while a non-resident license costs $30. In North Dakota, an annual fishing license costs $18 for residents and $50 for non-residents. In Ohio, a resident annual fishing license costs $19, while a non-resident license costs $40. In Oklahoma, an annual fishing license costs $25.50 for residents and $55.50 for non-residents.
In Oregon, a resident annual fishing license costs $45.50, while a non-resident license costs $92.50. In Pennsylvania, an annual fishing license costs $21.70 for residents and $51.70 for non-residents. In Rhode Island, a resident annual fishing license costs $10, while a non-resident license costs $30. In South Carolina, an annual fishing license costs $10.50 for residents and $35.50 for non-residents.
In South Dakota, a resident annual fishing license costs $35, while a non-resident license costs $76. In Tennessee, an annual fishing license costs $30 for residents and $50 for non-residents. In Texas, a resident annual fishing license costs $30, while a non-resident license costs $58. In Utah, an annual fishing license costs $34.50 for residents and $95.50 for non-residents.
In Vermont, a resident annual fishing license costs $25, while a non-resident license costs $45. In Virginia, an annual fishing license costs $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents. In Washington, a resident annual fishing license costs $30.50, while a non-resident license costs $117. In West Virginia, an annual fishing license costs $19 for residents and $45 for non-residents.
In Wisconsin, a resident annual fishing license costs $20, while a non-resident license costs $50. In Wyoming, an annual fishing license costs $27.50 for residents and $112.50 for non-residents.
Exploring Your Options: What You Can Get with a Fishing License
In addition to providing you with the legal right to fish in public waters, having a fishing license also comes with a variety of other benefits. Depending on the state, you may be eligible for discounts on tackle, bait, boat rentals, and other fishing-related items. Some states also offer access to discounted camping and lodging opportunities for anglers.
For example, in California, residents holding a valid fishing license can receive up to 25% off camping and lodging fees at select locations. In Florida, residents holding a valid annual fishing license can purchase a second annual fishing license for 50% off. And in New York, residents holding a valid fishing license can receive discounts on tackle, bait, and other fishing-related items.
Conclusion
Fishing licenses can be a significant expense, but the cost varies depending on where you live and the type of license you need. In the US, the cost of a fishing license can range from as little as $5 for a resident annual license in Hawaii to as much as $145 for a non-resident annual license in Alaska. It’s also important to remember that having a fishing license comes with a variety of other benefits, such as discounts on tackle, bait, and camping fees.
By researching the cost of fishing licenses in your state, you can budget accordingly and make sure you’re getting the most out of your license. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience while staying within your budget.
