What Georgia Fishing Licenses Cost

A Georgia resident fishing license costs $24 for a three-year license or $9 for a one-year license. Non-residents pay $30 for a three-year license or $11 for a one-year license. These are the base freshwater licenses that let you fish in Georgia's lakes, rivers, and streams.

If you want to fish saltwater in Georgia's coastal areas, you need a separate saltwater license. Residents pay $10 for a three-year saltwater license or $5 for a one-year license. Non-residents pay $15 for three years or $7 for one year. You can buy both a freshwater and saltwater license if you plan to fish in both environments.

Georgia also offers a combined freshwater and saltwater license. Residents pay $32 for three years or $13 for one year. Non-residents pay $42 for three years or $16 for one year. This combined license covers all the fishing you want to do in either environment without buying separate permits.

Key Takeaways

  • A Georgia resident freshwater license costs $9 for one year or $24 for three years.
  • Non-residents pay $11 for one year or $30 for three years for freshwater fishing.
  • Saltwater licenses are separate and cost less than freshwater licenses for both residents and non-residents.
  • You can buy a combined freshwater and saltwater license if you fish in both environments.
  • Certain groups including seniors over 65, disabled veterans, and children under 16 may fish without a license in Georgia.

Who Does Not Need a License in Georgia

Georgia residents who are 65 or older do not need to buy a fishing license. You will need to show proof of age if a wildlife officer asks, so bring your driver's license or ID card when you fish.

Children under 16 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by an adult who has a valid license. The adult does not have to be related to the child, but they must be present and in control of the fishing activity.

Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can fish without a license. You will need to carry your VA disability letter or rating decision as proof. Georgia residents with a disability can also fish without a license if they have the proper documentation from the state.

On designated free fishing days in Georgia, anyone can fish without a license. Georgia typically offers two free fishing days per year, usually in June and September, though the exact dates change annually. Check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website for the current year's free fishing days.

Where to Buy a Georgia Fishing License

You can buy a Georgia fishing license online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website. The online purchase takes about five minutes, and your license is available when ready as a digital copy you can show on your phone or print out. This is the fastest option if you want to fish the same day.

You can also buy a license in person at any Georgia hunting and fishing license agent. These include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the store sells licenses, since not all locations carry them. You will receive a physical license card on the spot.

Some county tax commissioners' offices sell fishing licenses as well. Hours vary by county, so contact your local tax commissioner's office to confirm they sell licenses and when they are open.

What Your License Covers

Your Georgia fishing license lets you fish using a rod and reel, a hand line, or a cane pole. It covers most freshwater fish including bass, catfish, bream, and crappie. The license does not cover commercial fishing or selling your catch—it is for personal use only.

Some fish in Georgia require special permits or stamps in addition to your base license. Trout fishing in designated trout streams requires a separate trout stamp. Saltwater species like redfish and snook have special regulations and bag limits that you must follow even with a valid license.

Your license does not give you the right to fish on private property. You still need permission from the landowner. Georgia has public fishing areas and wildlife management areas where you can fish with just your license, but access rules vary by location.

License Validity and Renewal

A one-year Georgia fishing license is valid for 12 months from the date you buy it. A three-year license is valid for three years from the purchase date. Your license does not automatically renew—you must buy a new one when your current license expires.

You can renew your license online, at a license agent, or at a tax commissioner's office using the same methods as buying a new license. If you buy a three-year license, you do not need to renew until three years have passed.

If your license expires while you are fishing, you are fishing illegally and can be cited. Check your license expiration date before you go out on the water.

Trout Stamps and Special Permits

If you want to fish for trout in Georgia's designated trout streams, you need a trout stamp in addition to your freshwater license. A trout stamp costs $12 for residents and $20 for non-residents and is valid for one year from purchase.

Some Georgia lakes and streams have special regulations for specific fish species. Before you fish a new location, check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for that area. The guide lists which species you can keep, how many you can keep, and the minimum size requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Georgia with an out-of-state license?

No. You must have a Georgia fishing license to fish in Georgia waters, even if you have a valid license from another state. The only exception is if you are fishing on a guided charter boat in saltwater, which may have different rules—ask the charter captain before you book.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on my own property?

No. You do not need a license to fish in a pond on land you own. If you are fishing on someone else's private property, you need both their permission and a valid Georgia fishing license.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license in Georgia is a misdemeanor. You can be fined up to $1,000 and face other penalties. A wildlife officer can check your license at any time while you are fishing.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can buy a Georgia fishing license online or at a license agent for someone else. If you buy online, you will need their name and date of birth. They can print the license or show it on their phone.

Is there a discount for military members or students?

Georgia does not offer a military or student discount on fishing licenses. However, active-duty military members and their families may be covered under federal reciprocal fishing agreements in some cases—contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for details about your specific situation.