Do I Really Need a Fishing License for Every Trip?

[professioneat]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to get a better understanding of fishing license requirements and could use some guidance. I love fishing casually on weekends, mostly in local lakes and rivers.

I’ve heard that some areas require a license every time you fish, while others have exemptions for certain age groups, types of fish, or catch-and-release practices. My questions are: Do I need a separate license for each body of water, or does one license cover multiple locations?

Are there special rules for short trips or if I only fish for a few hours? Also, how do regulations vary if I’m fishing in freshwater vs. saltwater? I want to make sure I’m following the law and avoiding fines but don’t want to overpay if it’s unnecessary.

Any advice, experiences, or links to clear guidelines would be greatly appreciated!

[professioneat]

Just now, professioneat said:

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to get a better understanding of fishing license requirements and could use some guidance. I love fishing casually on weekends, mostly in local lakes and rivers.

I’ve heard that some areas require a license every time you fish, while others have exemptions for certain age groups, types of fish, or catch-and-release practices. My questions are: Do I need a separate license for each body of water, or does one license cover multiple locations?

Are there special rules for short trips or if I only fish for a few hours? I was looking at https://buyfishinglicense.org for guidance. Also, how do regulations vary if I’m fishing in freshwater vs. saltwater? I want to make sure I’m following the law and avoiding fines but don’t want to overpay if it’s unnecessary.

Any advice, experiences, or links to clear guidelines would be greatly appreciated!

thanks in advance for any help

[jdmidwest]

What state are you looking at?  Missouri is a standard fishing license for whole state, trout permit to possess trout and fish certain areas.  Trout parks have daily fee.  Under 16 and over 65 free for most cases.

Other states vary.  Best way to learn is to go to states web page for fishing regulations for each body of water you intend to visit.

[gotmuddy]

In Arkansas you need a fishing license to be fishing, and a trout stamp to fish anywhere trout are stocked, even if your not trout fishing.

[tjm]

I think the salt water fishing is free in Missouri and Arkansas? Real questions?

This is where you find all the special rules and laws for Missouri in simple language- https://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3csr.asp