Is a Fishing License Required?

October 7, 2010

Question: I have been told several times by the same person that no fishing license is required if you are fishing and have the means to cook your catch within your reach. Is this true? (Forrest H.)

Answer: No. Everyone who fishes or attempts to take fish must have a valid sport fishing license. The only exceptions are when fishing on one of the two designated free fishing days each year, fishing in the ocean from a public pier, fishing in a pond or reservoir wholly enclosed on private property that is not hydrologically connected to any other watershed, or fishing in waters covered under an aquaculturalist permit.

Everyone? Children under 16 years of age are not required to have a sport fishing license.

Everyone? Children under 16 years of age are not required to have a sport fishing license.

Sorry, Sir, we've rejected your response because it's too valid.