One of the most common questions visitors to the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast pose is who needs a fishing license to enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities. Before you cast your line, let's clarify who needs a fishing license in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
The answer is almost everyone will need some form of a fishing license or be on the saltwater registry to fish in coastal waters. The exception is if you take a trip with one of the many inshore, nearshore or offshore charter vessels, which will have a boat license that covers its clients.
Where to Fish with an Alabama Saltwater Fishing License
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division provides a map to determine the waters where saltwater fishing licenses are required.
Surf Fishing
If you’re fishing the surf outside your condo, you need a fishing license or be on the registry. You must have a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license with you at all times and be prepared to show it to local authorities if requested.
Boat Fishing
If you’re in your or a friend’s boat and are trying to catch speckled trout and redfish in Little Lagoon, Perdido Bay, Wolf Bay or the Bon Secour River, you need a fishing license or be on the registry.
Pier Fishing
An Alabama Saltwater fishing license is required for pier fishing in the Gulf as well. Those who visit the Gulf State Park Pier will receive a daily license that's included in the pier's required $10 fishing fee. Anglers who cast a line on the Fort Morgan Fishing Pier will need a saltwater license and angler registry.
Alabama Freshwater Fishing License
Depending on the species you're after, you may need a freshwater fishing license when casting off in the Intercostal Waterway. When driving on Canal Rd, you'll notice cars parked on the Northside of the road as people fish into the Intercostal. The pier at Orange Beach Waterfront Park is an excellent spot for fishing without a vessel in Wolf Bay.
License Exemptions for Fishing on Alabama's Beaches
Residents and non-residents under 16 are exempt from needing a license. Residents aged 65 and over are also exempt. However, free saltwater registration is required for all residents 16 and over who take, catch, kill, or possess fish or attempt to catch, kill, or possess fish in the saltwater jurisdiction of Alabama. This includes residents not required to purchase an annual saltwater fishing license, such as those over the age of 64 with a lifetime saltwater license or who fish exclusively on a pier that has purchased a pier fishing license. Gulf State Park Pier has its own license structure.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Alabama Beaches
Annual and seven-day trip fishing licenses are available for residents and non-residents. This license is also required for cast netting, flounder gigging, and recreational crab traps.
Reef Fish Endorsement
If you’re planning to head into the Gulf of Mexico on a private boat to catch the numerous reef fish species, like red snapper, triggerfish, or grouper, you will need a Reef Fish Endorsement, which is $10 per individual. Again, charter boats have a vessel endorsement that covers all their clients. You can learn more on the Alabama Outdoor site.
Reciprocal License System
Alabama uses a reciprocal license system for non-residents, charging the residents of that state a similar fee an Alabama resident would pay in their state. For instance, a Louisiana resident would pay $129.15 for an annual saltwater fishing license in Alabama. Florida residents would pay $48.15 for the same license. All other states are charged $57 for the yearly license.
How to Purchase Your Alabama Fishing License
You can purchase a fishing license or register on the saltwater fishing registry here. Disabled veterans and disabled individuals can go to Alabama Outdoor’s website and click on the links at the bottom of the page to apply for those discounted licenses. Be sure to learn about Alabama’s residency requirements first.
The great news is the fishing along the Alabama Gulf Coast is so good it’s well worth purchasing a license to enjoy the many saltwater fishing opportunities.
