Alabama Fishing License
Getting Your Alabama Fishing License in 2025
Fishing in Alabama continues to be a favorite pastime and an important economic driver. Here’s the latest, fully updated guide for 2025 from Bank Fishers, including all license types, current costs, and key regulations.
Who Needs a Fishing License?
- Residents: Anyone age 16–64 must have a fishing license to fish in Alabama’s public waters.
- Non-residents: All non-residents age 16 and older must have a license.
- Exemptions:
- Alabama residents 65 and older (with valid Alabama driver’s license or proof of age and residency)
- Resident landowners and their immediate family
- Residents home on military leave
- Residents fishing with hook and line (live bait only) from the bank in their county of residence
Residency Requirements
- To qualify for a resident license, you must have lived in Alabama for at least 90 consecutive days and present a valid Alabama driver’s license or state-issued ID.
2025 Alabama Fishing License Types & Costs
Resident License Fees
| License Type | Fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| Freshwater Annual (Age 16–64) | $16.60–$21.15 |
| Saltwater Annual | $28.50–$29.35 |
| Saltwater 7-Day Trip | $11.80–$12.10 |
| Saltwater Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement | $10.00 |
| Public Fishing Lakes Daily (1 day) | $7.50 |
| Disabled Freshwater Annual (Totally Disabled) | $3.45 |
| Disabled Saltwater Annual (Totally Disabled) | $3.45 |
| Veterans Appreciation (20% Disabled) | $3.55 |
| Spearfishing Annual | $6.00 |
| Combo Freshwater/Saltwater Annual | $54.65 |
| All Access Sportsman’s Package | $138.05 |
Non-Resident License Fees
| License Type | Fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| Freshwater Annual | $62.60–$67.60 |
| Freshwater 7-Day Trip | $35.00–$36.10 |
| Saltwater Annual | $61.35–$63.30 |
| Saltwater 7-Day Trip | $33.75–$34.80 |
| Saltwater Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement | $10.00 |
| Public Fishing Lakes Daily (1 day) | $8.80 |
| Public Fishing Lakes Annual | $15.45 |
| Freshwater Family Trip (3 days, up to 4 family) | $35.00–$36.10 |
| Spearfishing Annual | $8.50 |
| Combo All Access Fishing Package | $133.95 |
| All Access Sportsman’s Package | $604.45 |
Note: All licenses expire annually on August 31. Lifetime licenses are also available; price varies by age at purchase.
Where to Buy
- Online: MyOutdoorAlabama.com
- In Person: Probate offices, license commissioners, sporting goods stores, marinas, and other authorized agents statewide.
What You Need
- Valid ID (driver’s license/state ID)
- Proof of residency if buying a resident license
- Social Security number (required by law)
2025 Alabama Fishing Statistics
Industry Size & Economic Impact
- Market Size: $15 million (2025 estimate)
- Number of Fishing Businesses: 431
- Industry Employment: 431 jobs
- Alabama Bass Trail Economic Impact (First 10 Years): $92.4 million
- Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville (2020): $35.9 million in direct/indirect impact; over 122,000 spectators
- ABT Event Impact (2019): $7.2 million from 12 events; regular events generate $350,000–$500,000 each; championship generates $750,000
- Statewide Recreational Fishing Economic Impact (2019): $135.5 million in total value added; 4,442 jobs created from angler spending
Fishing Participation
- Residents: Over 600,000 anglers participate annually (recent estimates)
- Fishing Tournaments: 14 Alabama Bass Trail tournaments held yearly
- Top Counties for Industry Establishments: Jefferson, Madison, Mobile
Trends & Notes
- Fishing license sales and participation remain strong, with continued growth in saltwater and tournament fishing.
- Major tournaments and rural fishing events are a key driver for local economies, especially in outlying and rural communities.
Quick Facts for Alabama Anglers (2025)
- License required for most anglers age 16–64
- Resident annual freshwater license: $16.60–$21.15
- Non-resident annual freshwater license: $62.60–$67.60
- Saltwater licenses and reef endorsements required for Gulf species
- Fishing industry market size: $15 million
- Major tournaments generate millions in local economic impact
For more details or to purchase your license, visit MyOutdoorAlabama.com or see the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Enjoy your time on the water—brought to you by Bank Fishers!