Anglers who intend to fish in the state's public waters legally are required to buy a Georgia fishing license. Fishing credentials are issued by the GA Department of Natural Resources and its Wildlife Resources Division. All resident and visitor fishermen can purchase a license if they meet the department's eligibility requirements. Prior to obtaining a license to fish in Georgia, new anglers can enroll in fishing education. Experienced resident anglers, on the other hand, can join a fishing organization and participate in many fishing-related activities, tournaments and fisheries' conservation.
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Georgia's public inland and coastal waters offer various fishing opportunities for professional and beginner anglers. Therefore, the following GA fishing licenses are available:
Before purchasing the appropriate fishing license in Georgia, applicants must meet be at least 16 years of age and provide proof of residency, such as a state drivers license. Nonresidents who plan to fish in GA must be at least 16 years of age, while those younger than 16 are not required to obtain a fishing license. Nonresidents who are full-time students enrolled in a GA university or members of the military on active duty in the state can buy a resident fishing license if they provide proof of temporary residence in GA.
To buy a fishing license in GA, choose one of the following methods:
To buy a fishing license online, visit the Go Outdoors Georgia Internet portal. The system will ask you to enter your date of birth and a second personal identifier such as a Social Security Number, your GADNR customer ID or an alternative identification document. After you sign into the system, enter your email address and prepare a valid credit or debit card to pay the fishing license fees.
Other options for obtaining fishing licenses are in person, from authorized license agents, or by phone, by calling the toll-free number 1-800-366-2661, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Listed below are the fishing license fees for resident and non resident fishing licenses:
Georgia's lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs are ideal for residents and visitors who would like to indulge in freshwater fishing. GA freshwater fishing licenses can be purchased online, from license agents, or over the phone. Anglers can fish for many different species in freshwater lakes, rivers and reservoirs:
Note: Trout fishing licenses must be obtained separately from the regular freshwater fishing licenses.
To fish in Georgia's salt waters, you must obtain the appropriate saltwater fishing license, together with a Saltwater Information Program permit. You can obtain a free-of-charge SIP permit online, from license agents, or over the phone. GA saltwater fishing licenses are divided into recreational and commercial.
To order your recreational saltwater fishing license, call 1-800-366-2661, visit the online portal licensing system or contact an authorized license agent. On the other hand, Georgia commercial fishing licenses are issued to individuals who fish for profit. Licenses are available in person, at the following locations:
or
Additionally, you can apply for a commercial fishing license by mail, when you fill out an application and send it to the address on the form. The commercial fishing license fees (subject to change) are as follows:
For residents:
For nonresidents:
For more information about saltwater fishing licenses in Georgia and more, write to:
Georgia DNR Coastal Law Enforcement One Conservation Way, Suite 201 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687
The Go Fish Education Center is the largest fishing educational institution in GA, established by the Department of Natural Resources and the Wildlife Resources Division. The center's mission is to support the economic development of the state, and to encourage state tourism by improving the quality of freshwater resources. Additionally, it aims to protect Georgia's fishing resources and facilitate access to the state's fishing areas. According to Go Fish, fishing is a recreational activity that brings families and anglers together, and through this, promotes togetherness and a sense of community.
Partake in fishing education programs, classes, seminars, lessons and workshops made available through the center. Students can further their knowledge and learn from educational displays, live fish exhibits and fishing stimulators, just to name a few.
Anglers who would like to improve their fishing skills and learn more about this widespread hobby from fellow fishermen are encouraged to join a fishing organization. Discover some of the most popular ones:
The Bass Fishing Club is a group of bass enthusiasts who aim to raise public awareness about bass fishing as a widespread sport. In addition, they strive to protect and preserve public waters from pollutants, to exchange fishing experiences, tips and techniques and to promote youth fishing.
The F.I.S.H. Inc. aims to present the benefits of sport fishing and boating to young individuals from 7 to 17 years of age. The main goal is to educate the youth about fishing, protection of wildlife and fisheries, promoting sportsmanship and friendship and help the children build life skills and quality community relations.
The Atlanta Fly Fishing Club is a non-profit organization with the main purpose of promoting the sport of fly fishing where anglers can share their experience, knowledge and skills with other colleagues and club members. The club organizes meetings, tournaments and fishing trips to encourage angler camaraderie.
