Overview
To fish in Georgia’s public waters, all individuals over 16 must have a valid fishing licence. A license is not required for children under 16 years of age, Georgia residents 65 years and older, and persons who meet the requirements Georgia’s Disability Hunting & Fishing License. Individuals fishing in private ponds are exempt from this requirement. There are many license options available for both resident and nonresident anglers, including extended, specialty, and annual tags. Both inland and saltwater fishing are possible with resident licenses.
Types of licenses
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers a variety of fishing licenses. There are three types of fishing licenses available: an annual fishing licence, an extended fishing permit, and a specialty fishing license. The reason you fish and the species you catch will determine which type of license you need. Two separate licenses may be required if you intend to fish for both freshwater and saltwater species.
Annual Fishing License
An annual license is required to fish in Georgia’s public waterways. It also serves as the basic license for recreational fishing. All annual licenses include a saltwater privilege and a trout privilege. This license is open to both resident and nonresident anglers. It expires one-year after issue. Resident licenses can only be used in Georgia. Non-resident licenses can be used in other states.
Extended Fishing License
The extended fishing license is open to both resident and nonresident anglers. It is valid for two to three years from the date it was issued. This license also includes a saltwater privilege and a trout privilege. It also includes a long-term extended license that allows anglers the opportunity to catch large fish like king mackerel, amberjack and other species.
Specialty licenses
Licenses for special species of fish are available, including catfish, trout and panfish, muskellunge, bass, and panfish. These licenses include a saltwater privilege and a trout privilege, but not the extended long-term privilege. Specialty licenses last for one year after issue.
Lifetime fishing licenses
Georgia also offers lifetime fishing permits. These licenses are available to both resident and non-resident anglers and are only available to eligible persons who are at least 66.2 years old. The lifetime fishing licence includes all the privileges that an annual fishing license provides, including the trout privilege, saltwater privilege, and a long-term extended privilege.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cost of a Georgia fishing license?
A: The cost for a fishing licence varies depending on what type of license you need, and whether you are a resident of non-resident. An annual fishing license costs $18 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Non-residents can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $200 to $800.
Q: Do I need to have a Georgia fishing license?
A: Most people 16 years old and older must have a valid fishing licence to fish, shellfishes, reptiles, amphibians or other aquatic life in state waters. A license is not required for children under 16 years old, Georgia residents 65 and over, and persons who meet the requirements Georgia’s Disability Hunting & Fishing License. Individuals fishing in private ponds are also exempt from this requirement.
Q: How long does a Georgia fishing license last?
A: An annual license is valid one year from the date of its issue. A two- or three-year extended license is valid from the date of issue. A specialty license is valid for one-year from the date of issue. A lifetime license is valid until it is revoked, cancelled or cancelled.
Q: What type license do you need to fish in freshwater and saltwater in Georgia
A: You may need two separate licenses if you plan on fishing for different species in freshwater and saltwater. A saltwater and freshwater license. All annual, extended, or lifetime licenses include a saltwater privilege and a trout privilege.
Q: What is the cost of a Georgia fishing license for a lifetime?
A: The cost of a lifetime fishing license ranges from $200 for residents to $800 in non-residents.
Q: Do non-residents have the option of purchasing lifetime fishing licenses?
A: Yes, both resident and non-resident anglers can apply for lifetime fishing licenses.
Q: I’m 16 years old. Do I need a fishing licence?
A: Yes. Anyone 16 years old or older must have a valid fishing licence to fish, shellfish, reptiles and amphibians in Georgia’s public waterways.
Q: Where can you buy a Georgia fishing license?
A: Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com or at retail locations around the state, including bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some county offices.
Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish in a private lake?
A: No. Individuals fishing in privately-stocked lakes or ponds are not required to obtain a fishing license. All other regulations, including daily bag limits and size limits, apply.
Q: How can I get a disability hunting and fishing license?
A: Disability Hunting and Fishing Licenses for persons with disabilities are available from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. You can apply at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, or at a county probate office.
