Fishing in Alabama state waters requires both residents and non-residents to obtain a saltwater or freshwater fishing license. Even if you don't need to buy an annual license to fish in saltwater, you must complete the saltwater fisherman registration. Alabama residents who fish using live bait only on the bank of a river, lake, or freshwater stream in the county where they live are exempt from needing a license. Residents over 64 years of age and holding a valid resident ID are also not required to purchase fishing licenses.
Anyone over the age of 16 or under 66 must have a license to fish for saltwater species. Anglers who plan to use a boat, artificial devices, or fish in other freshwater locations will need a license. You can purchase your fishing license (s) from an approved license seller or online on the Outdoor Alabama website. A saltwater fishing license is also required to fish in saltwater using any artificial bait, fly, lure, launch net, bow, crab trap (five or less) or spear.
It is important to follow Alabama's own set of fishing laws and regulations to protect its fish stocks. If you are looking for tips and tricks on how to fish in Alabama, or want to read personal stories of fishermen who live and breathe fishing and boating, you can find them online.
