If you’re fishing in Georgia for a day, a one-day license costs $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents, and residents can add extra days at $1 each. You must be 16 or older to carry a valid license while fishing, and you can buy passes online, by phone, or from local agents. Some trips need extra permits, like trout or saltwater endorsements. Keep your proof on you and read on to see purchase tips and exceptions.
Day License Pricing and Multi-Day Rates
If you’re planning a short trip, Georgia’s one-day fishing licenses keep things simple and cheap: non-residents pay $10 for a single day, while residents pay $5, and residents can add extra days at $1 per day.
You’ll find the structure practical: pick a one-day pass when you’re unsure how long you’ll stay, or tack on low-cost extra days if plans change. For residents, multi day pricing means each additional day is just a dollar, so a few extra outings won’t break the bank.
For non-residents, the single-day fee covers a full day’s access without commitment; if you need recurring access, compare the $10 day rate to the $15 annual resident license and decide with a license comparison.
Remember saltwater anglers must also obtain a free Saltwater Information Permit valid 365 days. Use these clear rates to match duration and budget before you head out to the water.
Who Needs a Day Fishing License in Georgia
Wondering whether you need a day fishing license in Georgia? If you’re over 16, you must carry a valid fishing license to fish anywhere in the state, including a one-day pass.
Residents can buy the one-day option for $5; non-residents pay $10. You’ll need to keep the license on you at all times — that’s part of a clear fishing regulations overview and ties directly to license enforcement importance during patrols.
Some people don’t need a one-day license: certain age groups and qualifying active-duty military may be exempt or eligible for special options, so check your status before you head out.
Also note that specialized activities — trout streams or saltwater fishing — often require additional permits even if you hold a one-day license.
In short, if you’re age-eligible and not exempt, get the appropriate day pass and any special permits so you stay compliant and avoid fines.
Where and How to Purchase Your Day Pass
You can grab your $10 one-day pass online through Go Outdoors Georgia any time—just have your Social Security number ready to complete the quick checkout.
If you prefer in person, find local agents at state parks, bait shops, and major retailers across Georgia.
Or call 800-366-2661 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., to place an order by phone.
Online Purchase Steps
Start at the Go Outdoors Georgia website, where you can buy a $10 non-resident one-day fishing license any time; select the correct day-pass option, enter your Social Security number when prompted, complete payment, and print or save the license because you’re required by law to carry it while fishing.
From there, follow the online application prompts: choose the one-day non-resident product, confirm date and personal details, and review any disclosures.
Payment options include major credit/debit cards; complete the transaction and download or print your pass immediately. Keep a digital or paper copy while fishing.
If you hit a snag, call customer service at 800-366-2661 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) for quick help.
Local Agent Locations
If you prefer buying in person, local agents across Georgia — including state park offices, major outdoor retailers, and many bait shops — sell the $10 non-resident one-day fishing license; just bring your Social Security number, tell the clerk you want the one-day non-resident pass for a specific date, pay by card or cash where accepted, and keep the printed receipt or license with you while fishing.
Visit nearby purchase locations during business hours; agents are convenient if you need help selecting the correct option or don’t want to use the Go Outdoors Georgia site. Ask the clerk to confirm the date and that the pass is non-resident.
Carry ID and your receipt while fishing, and note that agent inventories and hours vary by site.
Phone Order Process
Want to skip online forms or an in-person trip? Call 800-366-2661 to buy your $10 one-day non-resident fishing license—customer service reps walk you through the purchase.
Have phone order tips ready: keep your Social Security number, full name, address, date of birth, and the correct license type at hand to avoid delays. You’ll provide card details for credit or debit payment during the call.
The agent confirms the license and eligibility, so double-check the spelling and date before submitting. After payment, note any confirmation number or email for proof.
Using phone purchase saves time when you’re en route; stay prepared and the call should take only a few minutes.
Special Permits and Additional Fees to Know
While a one-day non‑resident fishing license gets you into Georgia’s waters for $10, you should expect a few extra permits and fees depending on where and what you fish for.
You’ll need to follow special permits and fishing regulations: saltwater anglers must obtain the free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP), valid 365 days, before casting in coastal waters.
If you plan on mountain trout, add a trout license—$25 for non‑residents—on top of the basic pass. Certain activities require separate authorizations; for example, migratory bird hunting needs a GA Waterfowl Migratory Bird License.
Remember that all anglers older than 16 must carry a valid license while fishing in Georgia, though specific exemptions exist for some groups.
Check targeted waters and species ahead of time so you don’t get surprised by required endorsements, seasons, or bag limits.
Carry receipts or digital proof of permits to show enforcement officers and avoid fines.
Residency, Age, and Discounted Options
You’ll need to know residency rules—residents who’ve lived in Georgia at a registered address for three months pay $5 for a one-day license, while non-residents pay $10.
Anyone 16 or older must carry a valid license, and some age-related exemptions or discounts may apply.
Military on leave, full-time Georgia students, and people registered as 100% disabled or blind can qualify for resident rates or special waivers.
Residency Rules Explained
1 clear rule determines resident eligibility for a Georgia fishing license: you must have a registered Georgia address for at least three months before applying.
That residential requirements threshold clarifies fishing license eligibility quickly, so you know whether to apply as a resident or non‑resident. If you meet it, remember residents over 16 need a valid license to fish, though specific exemptions exist for certain groups.
Non‑residents who don’t meet the three‑month rule can buy a one‑day license for $10; residents pay $5 for a one‑day pass.
Also note special permits — for example, trout fishing — may be required regardless of residency.
Finally, discounted options exist for military, veterans, seniors 65+, and those registered 100% disabled or blind.
Age-Based Discounts
Because age and residency change what you’ll pay and what you need, Georgia’s fishing fees include specific discounts and exemptions for seniors, youth, and certain disabled or blind anglers.
You’ll find clear price breaks and special rules depending on your status.
- Residents 65+ get senior discounts: a resident senior fishing license costs $4, giving full access at a low rate.
- Resident day options start at $5; non-resident one-day passes run $10, so check residency first.
- Youth permits: residents 15 and under fish without a license, though trout or special activities may still need a permit.
- Non-resident youth sportsman annual licenses cost $50, offering reduced access for young out-of-state anglers.
Military & Disability Waivers
Alongside age-based breaks, Georgia also extends special residency and fee exceptions for military members, students, and anglers with qualifying disabilities or blindness. If you’re on military leave or a full-time student living in Georgia, you’re treated as a resident and pay resident rates — that’s military discounts in practice. If you’re registered 100% disabled or blind, you qualify for reduced fees under disability benefits, cutting costs dramatically. A non-resident one-day pass is $10; residents pay $5, and seniors 65+ get a $4 Senior License. You can also get special permits like the free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) to enhance trips without extra fees. Below is a quick reference.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-resident 1-day | $10 |
| Resident 1-day | $5 |
| Senior 65+ | $4 |
| Disabled/Blind | Reduced |
Tips for Making the Most of a One-Day License
If you’ve only got a one-day license, plan deliberately to turn limited time into solid fishing — know local species and seasons, check weather and peak feeding times, and confirm any required permits like the free Saltwater Information Permit or trout endorsements before you go.
Use that $10 non-resident pass efficiently: scout spots ahead, arrive early, and have backups if conditions change.
- Pick a target species and match your fishing techniques to it — use appropriate rigs, retrieve speed, and depth.
- Pack local bait and alternatives; fresh, on‑site bait often outperforms artificial lures in short trips.
- Verify permits and rules (SIP, trout endorsements) before casting to avoid fines and wasted time.
- Monitor weather and tide charts, switching spots or methods when bite windows shift.
You’ll get the most from one day by combining preparation, the right gear, local bait choices, and adaptive fishing techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Day License Valid Across All Georgia Waters Including Federal Waters?
Yes — your Georgia day license covers state waters, but it won’t apply in federal waters; you’ll need to follow fishing regulations for both and get any required federal permits or vessel-based authorizations before fishing offshore.
Can I Fish From a Private Dock With a Day Pass?
About 70% of anglers report calm success — yes, you can fish from a private dock with a day pass if you have owner permission; dock fishing rules still require your license, follow local regulations, and respect private property boundaries.
Are Catch-And-Release Rules Different for Day License Holders?
No — you’re held to the same catch limits and fishing regulations as regular licensees; day-pass anglers must follow species-specific size, bag limits, and release practices, and you’ll face the same penalties for violations.
Does a Day License Cover Fishing Tournaments or Derbies?
Think of your day license as a temporary passport; it can cover many events, but you’ll need to check tournament eligibility and derby regulations first. You’ll follow event rules, may need organizer confirmation, and can’t assume blanket coverage.
Is a Lost Paper Pass Eligible for Replacement or Refund?
No — you can’t get an automatic refund for a lost paper pass, but you can follow the replacement process: contact the issuing agency promptly, provide purchase proof, and they’ll determine refund eligibility or issue a duplicate per their policy.
Conclusion
A one-day fishing license keeps things simple and affordable when you just want a few hours on the water. You’ll pay less than a full season, can grab a pass at a bait shop or online, and should check for special trout, saltwater, or gear fees. For example, Sarah bought a Georgia one-day license before a weekend trip, paid the small trout-stamp fee, and landed a limit—proof a short pass can still make a big day.
