If you fish in Georgia and are 16 or older, you’ll need a valid annual license: residents 16–64 pay $15, youth 12–15 pay $10 (under 12 exempt), and nonresidents pay $50 for a full year; trout and some saltwater privileges require additional endorsements ($10 resident trout, $25 nonresident trout; saltwater SIP is free). Licenses are valid one year from purchase and must be carried while fishing. Continue for permit details, discounts, and purchase options.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Georgia
If you’re 16 or older, you must have a valid Georgia fishing license to fish in state waters; specific permits are also required for activities like trout or Atlantic shore fishing.
You’re subject to fishing regulations overview and fishing license requirements that mandate possession and on-person carry of the license while fishing.
You must carry your valid fishing license on your person while fishing and follow all applicable regulations.
Resident status affects eligibility: active military and full-time students may qualify as residents and must still obtain a license under those conditions.
Individuals registered as 100% disabled or blind qualify for discounted or free licenses; you’ll need documentation to claim that status.
Special permits are separate from the base license and apply to trout and Atlantic shore fishing; you’ll need those in addition to the standard credential.
Compliance is enforced by state authorities, so you’ll avoid fines by meeting license, permit, and carry requirements.
This concise regulatory summary focuses solely on who needs a license, not fee schedules.
Resident Annual Fishing License Fees
For residents 16–64, the annual fishing license is $15, while youth 12–15 pay $10 and under-12s are exempt.
The license is valid one year from purchase; trout fishing requires an additional $10 resident trout license and saltwater anglers must obtain the free 365-day Saltwater Information Permit (SIP).
Make sure you meet Georgia residency criteria (typically state-issued ID or proof of domicile) before purchasing at resident rates.
Annual Resident Pricing
One clear fee schedule covers resident annual fishing licenses: adults 16–64 pay $15, seniors 65+ pay $7, and youth 12–15 pay $10; trout anglers must add a $10 annual trout license to the basic permit, and saltwater anglers (residents and non‑residents) must obtain a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) valid 365 days.
You’ll choose among fishing license types based on age requirements and target species; the base fee covers freshwater general angling, trout requires the add‑on, and SIP covers saltwater reporting and regs.
You’ll buy permits through the state portal or authorized vendors, carrying proof while fishing. Fees are annual, non‑refundable, and set by statute. Check renewal windows and exemption rules before purchase.
- Know which license type fits your activity
- Add trout license when applicable
- Carry SIP when saltwater fishing
Who Qualifies as Resident
Because residency determines the lower $15 annual license rate for anglers aged 16–64, you must have a Georgia address on record for at least three months to qualify as a resident for licensing purposes.
For resident eligibility, maintain proof of your Georgia address and be prepared to present documentation when purchasing a license. Active military status affects residency: active military personnel on leave are treated as residents for licensing, and full-time students attending school in Georgia also meet residency criteria.
If you qualify, you’ll pay $15 versus the $50 non-resident annual fee. Note that select groups, such as those with disabilities or meeting age thresholds, may receive free licenses under separate provisions.
Follow agency rules and carry supporting documents to validate your status.
Non‑Resident Fishing License Pricing
Although you’re not a resident, Georgia keeps pricing straightforward: an annual non‑resident fishing license costs $50, while a one‑day license runs $10.
You’ll find this fee structure supports clear budgeting and aligns with non resident benefits like access to public waters under the same fishing regulations that apply to residents. Licenses are valid from purchase until the stated expiration date, so buy when you need full-season coverage.
- Annual non‑resident license: $50 — valid from purchase to expiration.
- One‑day license: $10 — for short visits or single outings.
- Trout and saltwater notes: trout license required ($25 for non‑residents); Saltwater Information Permit is free but mandatory.
Follow posted bag limits, seasons, and gear restrictions; your license doesn’t exempt you from rules.
If you target trout or saltwater species, confirm specific endorsements and free permit requirements before fishing to remain compliant and avoid fines.
Trout and Special Permits Explained
If you’re planning to target trout or fish in saltwater while in Georgia, you’ll need to add specific permits to the standard fishing license.
You must hold the base annual license—residents 16–64 pay $15, non‑residents pay $50—and then secure activity‑specific permits. For trout fishing regulations, purchase the trout license: $10 for residents, $25 for non‑residents. That trout license is mandatory before you fish designated trout waters.
Saltwater anglers must obtain the Saltwater Information Permit (SIP). The SIP is free, valid 365 days, and available to residents and non‑residents, but you still need the base annual license if you’re over 16 and don’t qualify for an exemption.
Saltwater anglers must obtain the free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP), valid 365 days; base license still required if over 16.
Special permit requirements are activity‑specific; different fisheries may impose additional size, creel, or gear rules. You’re responsible for confirming permits and complying with posted regulations before fishing to avoid citations.
Sportsman and Combo License Options
Consider whether the $65 annual sportsman’s license (or $400 for non-residents) fits your needs, since it legally covers both hunting and fishing privileges.
Compare that to the combo option priced at $15 for residents and $100 for non-residents if you only need combined hunting-and-fishing access without the broader sportsman bundle.
If you hunt occasionally or travel in-state, the one-day sportsman’s license ($25 residents, $170 non-residents) may meet regulatory requirements without an annual commitment.
Sportsman License Benefits
When you buy the annual sportsman’s license, you get both hunting and fishing privileges—$65 for residents and $400 for non‑residents—plus access to state Wildlife Management Areas and eligibility for permits tied to migratory bird hunting and trout fishing; residents 15 and under can purchase a youth sportsman’s license for $15, and one‑day sportsman’s licenses cost $25 (residents) or $170 (non‑residents).
You’ll have regulated hunting privileges and fishing access under one credential, simplifying compliance and permitting. The license lets you apply for trout endorsements and migratory bird permits and provides required access to WMAs for lawful take.
Keep proof of purchase on you while hunting or fishing, and confirm specific permit requirements before targeted seasons or special hunts.
- Combines hunting and fishing privileges into one license
- Enables trout and migratory bird permits
- Grants WMA access and simplifies compliance
Combo License Pricing
Although the standard annual sportsman’s license combines hunting and fishing for $65 (residents) and $400 (non‑residents), several combo and package options let you tailor cost and convenience to your needs.
You’ll weigh combo license advantages against specific use and duration: a one‑day sportsman’s permit—$25 residents, $170 non‑residents—covers short trips; youth sportsman’s licenses are $15 for residents to encourage early participation.
For minimal annual access to state properties, a combination hunting and fishing license is offered at $21 for residents.
The Georgia Sportsman package ($41) bundles a one‑year sportsman license with a harvest record and durable hard card.
Use a combo license comparison to match regulatory access requirements, duration, and ancillary items before you purchase.
Who Needs Combos
Who benefits most from a Sportsman or combo license? You do if you legally hunt and fish within the same license year: the Sportsman license consolidates privileges, enforces compliance with combined regulations, and clarifies reporting and tag requirements.
Residents pay $65; non-residents pay $400. Youth residents (15 and under) can get a $15 youth sportsman license to promote early outdoor activity integration.
Combo license advantages include lower total cost versus separate purchases and streamlined regulatory coverage.
- You want a single permit for hunting and fishing to reduce paperwork and cost.
- Your household includes youth who need affordable, compliant access to outdoors.
- You use special packages (e.g., Georgia Sportsman) for added discounts and benefits.
Where and How to Buy Your License
Where can you buy your fishing license? You can use online purchasing via Go Outdoors Georgia 24/7 for immediate issuance, visit local agents (retailers and bait shops) for in-person purchases, or place phone orders at 1-800-366-2661 during customer-service hours (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sat–Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). You must provide your social security number regardless of method. Choose the correct license option to comply with regulations and avoid processing delays.
| Method | Availability | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Online purchasing (Go Outdoors Georgia) | 24/7 | Social Security number; correct license selection |
| Local agents (retailers/bait shops) | Store hours | Same documentation; in-person verification |
| Phone orders | Customer-service hours | 1-800-366-2661; SSN provided verbally |
Follow regulatory instructions on the vendor site or agent to guarantee data accuracy. Incorrect selections can result in fines or permit denial; verify details before finalizing the purchase.
Discounts, Exemptions, and Lifetime Options
If you qualify for discounts or exemptions, you’ll reduce or eliminate the usual fees: residents aged 16–64 pay $15 annually (nonresidents $50), while 100% disabled or blind individuals may be eligible for reduced fees or waivers—verify documentation requirements with your vendor.
You’re responsible for proving discount eligibility; acceptable documentation commonly includes disability certifications or age verification. Annual licenses run one year from purchase; confirm start/end dates on your receipt.
You must prove eligibility with proper documentation; annual licenses last one year—check your receipt for exact dates.
Lifetime options provide a one-time payment alternative. Resident lifetime fees are age-tiered and binding: $500 for infants, $600 for youth (ages 2–15), $750 for adults (ages 16–49), and a $70 senior lifetime sportsman’s license for residents 65+.
Lifetime purchases transfer long-term fishing and, where specified, hunting privileges.
Check vendor regulations for processing fee waivers and eligibility validation before purchase to avoid denial. Maintain copies of approvals and receipts for enforcement encounters and future administrative reviews.
- Confirm required documentation before applying
- Compare annual vs lifetime cost over expected use
- Retain proof of waiver or lifetime purchase
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Fish on Private Ponds Without a License in Georgia?
Yes — you can fish on private ponds in Georgia without a license if you’re the landowner or have permission; you’ll still follow private pond regulations and respect fishing rights, trespass rules, and any local conservation restrictions.
Are There Daily or Short-Term Fishing License Options Available?
Yes—you can get short term licenses and daily permits; Georgia offers one-day and three-day options, and fees vary by residency and species. Check the Georgia DNR site for exact rates, durations, and regulatory restrictions.
What Penalties Apply for Fishing Without a Valid License?
You’ll face fines, potential seizure of gear, and court citations for fishing violations; license enforcement can also impose misdemeanor charges, vessel registration revocation, and increased penalties for repeat offenses—check local statutes for exact fine amounts and jail thresholds.
Is Bank or Shore Fishing Included on a Fishing License?
Yes — you can: shore fishing regulations and bank fishing rules are typically covered by a general license, but you’ll need to follow local restrictions, catch limits, and seasonal closures, so always check the specific jurisdictional regulations.
Do Youth Under a Certain Age Require a Separate License?
Yes — you’ll find youth fishing licensing requirements vary by state; many exempt children under specific ages, while others require reduced or full licenses. Check your state’s regulations and age thresholds to guarantee compliance.
Conclusion
You’re required to buy a Georgia fishing license if you’re 16 or older and fishing in public waters; this keeps fisheries managed and funds conservation. About 60% of license revenue goes directly to habitat and hatchery programs, so purchasing annually has measurable impact. Compare resident, non‑resident, combo and trout permits to match your angling needs, and check for discounts, exemptions, or lifetime options before you buy to stay compliant and cost‑efficient.
