An Easy Way of Obtaining a Georgia Fishing License
As a requirement by the United States laws, you must have a valid fishing license to venture into fishing. Famous for Bass fishing, Georgia has incredible fishing grounds, like Lake Seminole and the Golden Isles along Georgia's Atlantic Coast. However, to be part of the state's exciting fishing expedition, you must have a valid .
Licensing plays a crucial role in preventing illegal fishing and sustaining wildlife. Therefore, fishing without a license in Georgia is an offense. If you plan to explore the Georgian waters, you should know where to get a fishing license. Depending on your needs, you might need a freshwater or saltwater fishing license.
Georgia has different fishing areas, offering the most diverse and fascinating fishing opportunities that you can explore. You can request a fishing license online or even take advantage of the available fishing license apps. Let's explore how you can secure a fishing license in Georgia.
Who Can Get a Fishing License in GA?
What are the eligibility conditions to get a fishing license in Georgia? Any person aged 16 years or more can apply for a Georgia fishing license. You must also have a valid government-issued ID or social security number to get a fishing license.
Different Types of Fishing Licenses
There are different types of GA fishing licenses that you can acquire. They include:
- Freshwater vs. Saltwater Licenses: A freshwater license is required when you plan to fish in streams, rivers, or freshwater lakes. On the other hand, the saltwater fishing license will suit your desire to fish in saltwater areas.
- Combination License: This allows an angler to catch fish in both freshwater and saltwater areas.
- Daily vs. Annual Licenses: You can buy a valid license for one day or a whole year, depending on how long you want to fish.
- Lifetime Licenses: If you plan to fish for the rest of your life, lifetime licenses allow you to.
- Residents vs. Non-Residents: When you are a resident of Georgia, you will apply for a different license from that of an out-of-state citizen. The costs incurred by the two groups are different, with non-residents paying more.
- Combo Licenses: Also known as sportsman licenses, these are the Georgia hunting and fishing licenses for those who would like to fish and hunt simultaneously.
How Much is a Fishing License in Georgia?
Different factors influence how much a costs. The costs vary depending on how long your license will remain valid, your age, residence status, and the type of license needed. The expenses depend on:
1. Type of license
Generally, a Georgia annual fishing license costs $15 for residents and $50 for non-residents. If you choose a yearly sportsman license, you'll have to part with $65 for a residential license and $400 for non-citizens.
You can apply for combined hunting and fishing licenses if you would like to hunt as you fish. Choosing a yearly plan will cost $30 for Georgia citizens and $150 for out-of-state applicants.
2. Special Groups
These are the GA fishing licenses for senior citizens and those with full disability status. You'll pay $7 for an annual senior sportsman license and $4 for a fishing license for the same duration.
The disability fishing license will cost $3 yearly, while the sportsman one costs $5 annually.
3. Lifetime Sportsman Licenses
These are given based on the age of the applicants. Those older than 65 will pay $65, while those under 16 years will pay $600. When you are between 50 and 64, it will cost you $315-$375. The most expensive GA lifetime fishing licenses are for those aged 16 to 49 years, costing $750. Military personnel or veterans can get a lifetime fishing license for $600.
In addition to the Georgia fishing licenses, you have to acquire a permit if you're planning to catch Trout. You can opt for the annual plan costing $10 for residents and $25 for non-residents.
You can also buy an additional day license ($1 for residents and $3.50 for non-residents) when you desire to extend your fishing adventure for a day. Moreover, anyone can get a free saltwater permit combined with a fishing license to fish in the Georgia Atlantic Waters.
A comprehensive table is down below.
Annual License Costs | Residents | Non-Residents |
Fishing License | $15 | $50 |
Sportsman License | $65 | $400 |
Combined License | $30 | $150 |
Senior Fishing License | $4 | - |
Senior Sportsman License | $7 | - |
Disability Fishing License | $3 | - |
Disability Sportsman License | $5 | - |
Trout License | $10 | $25 |
Lifetime License Costs | ||
Age 65+ | $65 | |
Age Younger than 16 | $600 | |
Age 50-64 | $315-$375 | |
Age 16-49 | $750 | |
Active Military / Veterans Age 16-49 | $600 |
How Can I Get a Fishing License in Georgia by Myself?
Georgia has different options you can use to secure a fishing license by yourself. They apply to both residents and non-residents. These options include:
- In-Person Application: You can procure a GA fishing license from the Wildlife Resource Division or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. You can also get one from the state parks and any hardware or bait and tackle store. That process can get more frustrating as you will have to pay extra administrative fees, in addition to your transport costs.
- By Phone: A person can also call Georgia's toll-free number, 800-366-2661, to submit their application. The downside of this approach is that you can spend significant time on your phone only for your calls to go unanswered.
Fishing is an exciting expedition, but the long, frustrating process could discourage you from fulfilling your fishing desires. At DoNotPay, we understand how eager you are to get out to the fascinating Georgia waters right away. That's why we have simplified our application process.
Getting a Fishing License in GA using DoNotPay
In today's advanced world, you do not have to struggle or go to any physical office to get a fishing license. DoNotPay is here to help you kick-start your fishing expedition with minimal effort.
Therefore, if you want to get your fishing license but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in these 3 easy steps:
- Search "fishing license" on DoNotPay and select the state you would like a fishing license for.
- Indicate whether you are a resident or non-resident, and choose the type of license you want. For example, saltwater vs. freshwater license, three-day only pass, and more.
- Provide your contact information, a copy of your government-issued ID, and pay the fee required by the state.
DoNotPay will give you a valid downloadable version of your fishing license. Therefore, you can print and use it as a temporary license while waiting for the physical copy. DoNotPay will process and deliver it to your mail within the shortest period.
How easy is that! Now you are ready to explore Georgia's wealth of fishing opportunities.
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