Anglers across the United States are typically required to purchase a fishing license after turning 16 years old. However, it is important to check your state’s laws regarding age requirements. In coastal regions, saltwater and freshwater licenses are available for purchase. Rather than taking the time to purchase a license annually, consider a lifetime license. A lifetime license is exactly as it sounds: it lasts a lifetime. Determine if a lifetime fishing license is worth it for you.
Benefits Of Purchasing An Annual License
As an avid angler, I purchase an annual license in the state of Georgia. Considering Georgia offers freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, I bought a freshwater and a saltwater license.
The benefit of purchasing an annual license is the cost. A lifetime license is a high upfront expense. However, if you purchase an annual fishing license from the age of 16 until you grow elderly, you’ll pay more money overall.
Despite paying more money for annual licenses over a lifetime, it’s easier to bear the burden of small expenditures yearly versus one time significant lump sum.
Remember, an annual license should only be purchased if you’ll be fishing more than 1 or 2 days per year. In the event you fish only once, a one day license is all you’ll need.
Benefits Of Purchasing A One Day Or Multi Day License
Although I primarily fish in my home state, I am never hesitant to bring along the gear when I travel. For this reason, I often purchase one day or multi day out of state licenses.
The short term license allows me to fish while visiting family, away for work, or simply on vacation.
Conversely, it can be a good idea to buy a one day or multi day license. If you’re fishing in the state you reside in but only fish once per year, opt for the one-day option.
However, understand that an out-of-state one-day or multi-day license will be more costly compared to a resident’s rate.
For the most part, you can select the day that you plan to fish when buying the license. With that said, the short-term fishing license can be purchased in advance online. Remember to check the weather before completing the transaction. You don’t want your fishing permit to fall on day that will be a washout.
Benefits Of A Lifetime Fishing License
Weighing the decision to invest in a lifetime license versus an annual license is difficult. For me, I have lived in three states. I would be forking out a lot of money for lifetime licenses only to move out of state and rarely fish the state’s waters. Here are some things to consider when deciding to purchase a lifetime license.
Considerations When Moving Out Of State
Without question, it is nearly impossible to predict the future. Often, people plan to live in one state for a lifetime, but plans change for a multitude of reasons.
With that said, before investing in a lifetime license, it is essential to determine the following. Make sure that if your residency changes, the license is still valid when you visit. Unfortunately, some fail to ever return back to the state where the license was issued. While others, it may be frequent.
So, if you’re going to shell out big bucks for a one time license purchase, make sure you’re going to make good use of it.
Age Implications On A Lifetime License
When buying a lifetime license, each state most often sets the pricing on a scale. The scale takes into consideration the age of the licensee.
To be more specific, you’re going to pay less for a lifetime license issued to a baby or a senior compared to a middle aged individual.
For this reason, it is not a bad idea to buy a license for a newborn. However, the question stands: will they be interested in hunting as they age?
Another consideration is investing in a lifetime license as a senior. Will health impact the number of times you can get out to cast a line?
Lastly, know that you’re going to pay top dollar in your middle ages. You’ll have to commit to fishing consistently if you’re going to drop the bucks on a lifetime license at this stage of your life.
Limitations With A Lifetime License
One important thing to consider when buying a lifetime fishing license is tags. Tags are additional permits required to catch and harvest specific species.
For the most part, the purchase of tags is required in addition to holding a valid fishing license. As an example, if you’re targeting snook or tarpon in Florida, a tag is required in conjunction with a license.
For this reason, it is imperative to understand your state’s laws to remain compliant.
Consider A Lifetime Fishing License
Trust me, it is hard to commit to buying a lifetime license. If you’re a die-hard angler, it will likely be the best option; however, understand that life gets in the way. Our obligations to work, family, and more keep us from doing what we love. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
