Fishing can be a great activity for kids. It teaches little ones patience and Perseverance while allowing them to hone their motor skills and coordination. But do kids need a fishing license?
At what age do you need a fishing license?
Before you hit the water, you might be wondering if your little one needs a fishing license. Regulations vary from state to state. Some states allow minors as old as 17 to fish without a license, while others require a youth license to be purchased at a discounted rate.
We have included a list of each state’s rules below (as of September 2019. While all information is believed to be accurate, it is your responsibility to confirm with your local department of natural resources).
Do I need a license if I am assisting a minor who is fishing?
It is important to note that any adult assisting a minor may still need a license and all rules and regulations must be respected regardless of age.
Some species such as trout and salmon may require an additional license or stamp. Some states may have special regulations when possessing more than one pole.
Kid’s Fishing regulations by state
- Alabama
No license required under the age of 16. - Alaska
Alaskan residents under the age of 18 do not need to purchase a sport fishing license. Non-residents under the age of 16 do not need to purchase a sport fishing license.
When sport fishing for species with an annual limit, resident anglers under the age of 18 and nonresident anglers under the age of 16 are required to record their harvest on the free Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card. The card is available online, at license vendors, and at Fish and Game offices. Species with an annual limit are listed in the General Regulations section in area sport fish regulation summary books. - Arizona
Youth under the age of 10 do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. - Arkansas
No license is required under the age of 16. - California
No license is required under the age of 16. - Colorado
All fishing licenses are free for youth under 16 years old. Starting in 2019, Colorado residents ages 16 and 17 will pay $8 for an annual fishing license (instead of full price, a 75% discount).
Those under 16 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license. However, they must have a second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line. - Connecticut
No license is required under the age of 16. - Delaware
No license is required under the age of 16. - Florida
No license is required under the age of 16. - Georgia
No license is required under the age of 16. - Hawaii
Minors below nine years of age may fish without a license when accompanied by a licensee. All minors between nine and 15 years of age are required to posses a minor license. - Idaho
Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth. A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit. A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit. - Indiana
A fishing license and trout/salmon stamp are NOT required for residents and non-residents under age 18. - Iowa
All anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters. Anglers under the age of 16 may fish Iowa waters without a fishing license and may fish for and keep their own limit of fish, except when fishing for trout they must share their limit with a licensed adult or buy their own trout fee to keep their own limit of trout. - Kansas
No license is required under the age of 16. - Kentucky
No license is required under the age of 16. - Louisiana
No license is required under the age of 16. - Maine
No license is required under the age of 16. - Maryland
No license is required under the age of 16. - Massachusetts
No license is required under the age of 15. Resident minor freshwater fishing license is available for ages 15–17.
- Michigan
If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a license must have a fishing license. - Minnesota
No license is required for residents under the age of 16. - Mississippi
No license is required under the age of 16. - Missouri
No license is required under the age of 16. - Montana
No license is required under the age of 12. - Nebraska
No license is required under the age of 16. - Nevada
No license is required under the age of 12. - New Hampshire
No license is required under the age of 16. - New Jersey
No license is required under the age of 16. - New Mexico
No license is required under the age of 12 - New York
No license is required under the age of 16. - North Carolina
No license is required under the age of 16. - North Dakota
No license is required under the age of 16. - Ohio
No license is required under the age of 16. - Oklahoma
No license is required under the age of 16. - Oregon
No license is required under the age of 12. - Pennsylvania
No license is required under the age of 16. - Rhode Island
No license is required under the age of 15. - South Carolina
No license is required under the age of 16. - South Dakota
No license is required under the age of 16. - Tennessee
No license is required under the age of 13. - Texas
No license is required under the age of 17. - Utah
No license is required under the age of 12. - Vermont
No license is required under the age of 15. - Virginia
No license is required under the age of 16. - Washington
No license is required under the age of 15. - West Virginia
No license is required under the age of 15. - Wisconsin
No license is required under the age of 16. - Wyoming
No license is required under the age of 14.
Awesome gear finds for young anglers
Magreel Kids Chest Waders
These chest waders are a great way to get your little one in the water at an affordable price.
View on Amazon
Shakespeare Hide-A-Hook Youth Fishing Kits
Keep hooks out of you and your child with the Shakespeare Hide-A-Hook Bobber. These bobbers hide a hook that stays inside the bobber until it hits the water. We’ve used these and they worked well for a trip to the bluegill pond. “
View on Amazon
Paw Patrol Sponge practice casters
Guarantee a fun catch with these Paw Patrol Sponge practice casters. When the lure hits the water, a sponge fish expands for a fun surprise once you reel in the line.
View on Amazon
Zebco Star Wars BB-8 Tackle Box
Keep your tackle in order with this fun BB-8 tackle box.
View on Amazon
Do you want to try fly fishing? Check out our tips to get started!
Photo: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi / pexels.com/@freestockpro
