Alabama is home to many of the top fisheries in the world, with residents able to enjoy a vast variety of fisheries in their backyard and non-residents traveling the world over to try their hand at tricking the fish that swim through these waters.
There are a number of different Alabama fishing licenses available depending on residency, length of time, and whether the angler plans to fish fresh or saltwater. All annual fishing licenses expire on August 31st.
WHO NEEDS A FISHING LICENSE IN ALABAMA
If you’re under the age of 16, you do not need a fishing license to fish in the state of Alabama (resident or non-resident, fresh or saltwater). All residents 16 and older must have a fishing license unless:
- The resident is over 65 with valid proof of ID
- The resident is the owner of the fishery (or an immediate family member of the owner)
- The resident is home on military leave with ID and paperwork on his/her person
- The resident is fishing with live bait from the bank of his/her own county
*Any non-resident over the age of 16 must have a fishing license to fish in the state of Alabama.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ALABAMA FISHING LICENSES
- Resident licenses (1 year or lifetime available)
- Non-resident licenses (annual or 7-day options available)
- Combination licenses (you can combine freshwater, saltwater and/or hunting into one license to save money in any combination of the three)
- Sportsman’s Licenses (these licenses cover basically everything you can do hunting and fishing in the state).
- Lifetime Licenses (pay one price now and never worry about licenses again in the state).
WHERE TO PURCHASE ALABAMA FISHING LICENSES
You can buy your fishing license online or from a licensed agent in person. All licenses expire on August 31st of each year. To buy online, visit MyOutdoorAlabama.com. If you wish to buy your fishing license in person via a retailer, you must present a valid ID.
AL FISHING LICENSES PRICES AND SPECS
Alabama Resident Freshwater Licenses
- Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $16.15
- Lifetime License: Depends on your age
Alabama Non-Resident Freshwater Licenses
- Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $62.60
- 7-day Freshwater Fishing License: $35
- 3-day Sport Fish Freshwater Family Trip: $35 (license for NR age 16 and up and up to four immediate family members)
Alabama Resident Saltwater Licenses
- 7-day Saltwater Trip $11.80
- Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $28.50
- Annual Saltwater Pier Fishing Package $7.30
- Annual Saltwater SpearFishing Package $44.50
Alabama Non-Resident Saltwater Licenses
- 7-day Saltwater Fishing License: $33.75
- Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $61.35
- Annual Saltwater Reef Fish Package $71.35
- Annual Saltwater SpearFishing Package $79.85
- Annual Saltwater Pier Fishing Package $23.75
Alabama Combo Fishing Licenses
Alabama Resident Combo Licenses
- Annual Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Combination License (NOT including spearfishing) $54.65
- Annual All Access Sportsman’s Package $138.05
Alabama Non-resident Combo Licenses
- Annual All Access Fishing Package (NOT including spearfishing) $133.95
- All Access Sportsman’s Package $604.45
FREE FISHING DAYS IN ALABAMA
Alabama hosts a Free Fishing Day on the 2nd Saturday in June in which no angler needs a fishing license to fish most public water. State Public Fishing Lakes do still require permits on the Free Fishing Day. And, permission is still required from the owners of private ponds to fish on their properties. Some piers may also require permits. For 2024, the Free Fishing Days will be June 8-16, 2024.
