Interested anglers who would like to fish in Mississippi's inland and coastal waters are required to get a fishing license from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The state offers two general types of MS licenses to fish: regular fishing permits and commercial fishing permits. These fishing licenses are further subdivided into freshwater fishing licenses and saltwater fishing licenses. Licenses are available for purchase through the department's website where both amateur and professional fishermen can find educational opportunities as well. To learn more about Mississippi's permits to fish, fishing education and programs, read the topics below:
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Before taking full advantage of the best fishing spots in Mississippi, anglers must obtain a permit to fish. The Magnolia state boasts an abundance of fresh and saltwater fishing locations and, in accordance with the fishing purpose, applicants can obtain the following fishing licenses:
Both residents and state visitors with the intention to fish for sport in MS must obtain a fishing permit from the state's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. After reviewing the state's fishing seasons and creel limits, you can buy the following sport licenses to fish in Mississippi:
Based on certain criteria, the following individuals are exempt from buying a MS fishing permit:
Note: Residents older than 64 years of age who wish to saltwater fish are required to purchase a lifetime saltwater fishing license.
The most practical method to buy Mississippi fishing licenses is via the MS DWFP online licensing system. After determining the required license, the easy-to-use purchasing process is finalized after providing your:
The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks regulates the use of commercial fishing gear and the selling of gross fish catch in the state. Interested MS commercial fishing license applicants should familiarize themselves with the commercial fishing rules before buying one of the following permits:
The state of Mississippi lists the following fish species as non-game (available to gross fish)
Interested commercial fishermen can buy MS commercial fishing licenses by submitting the commercial fishing application by mail to the department's Jackson office.
The MS DWFP offers educational programs ranging from aquatic museum visits to hands-on outdoor activities. After obtaining a fishing license, anglers seeking to improve their craft can take full advantage of state-sponsored educational opportunities. Look at some of these programs below:
The Fishing Rodeos family-centered program aims to provide quality fishing education to Mississippi's kids. Led by professional staff, the events take place every Saturday morning and are comprised of the following workshops:
Founded by the department, the MS Museum of Natural Sciences offers a unique opportunity to explore Mississippi's aquatic world and its impact on the environment. State schools have the opportunity to organize museum field trips where students can learn anything from fish biology to habitat information.
Whether you are seeking to fish in a group and participate in tournaments or you are sympathetic to the cause to conserve the state fisheries, various fishing clubs and organizations are open to interested Mississippi anglers. Read below about some of these clubs and organizations:
The Magnolia Crappie Club is one of the oldest crappie fishing clubs in the state. A non-profit organization that stimulates a family-friendly atmosphere for its members, MMC's activities include the following:
The purpose of the club is to promote the sport of big game fishing in the Gulf of Mexico whilst striving to preserve its fishing habitat. While cooperating with various state organizations, the club organizes fishing tournaments that maintain big game fishing ethics and provides a meeting forum for any interested angler.
Established by the MS DWFP, the foundation's purpose is to protect and preserve Mississippi's vast fishing and wildlife resources. The WFPF funds various projects whose goal is the sustainability of the state's natural resources. Furthermore, the foundation grants scholarship to students whose primary focus is fisheries and wildlife preservation.
