Mississippi Fishing License: How to Get One in 2023

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:

Types of Mississippi Fishing Licenses

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:

  • Regular fishing licenses
  • Commercial fishing licenses

Regular Fishing Licenses in Mississippi

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:

  • Resident fishing licenses
    • Freshwater fishing and small game hunting license
    • Freshwater fishing and all game hunting license
    • Three-day freshwater fishing license
    • Sportsman's license (does not include saltwater fishing)
    • Saltwater fishing license
    • Senior lifetime saltwater license (65 years of age or older)
  • Non resident fishing licenses
  • One-day freshwater fishing license
  • Three-day freshwater fishing license
  • Freshwater fishing license
  • Three-day saltwater fishing license
  • Saltwater fishing license
  • Armed forces 14-day fishing and hunting license

Based on certain criteria, the following individuals are exempt from buying a MS fishing permit:

  • Residents younger than 16 and older than 64 years of age
  • Residents who privately own the pond or stream they fish in
  • Nonresidents younger than 16 years of age
  • Disabled residents and disabled veterans

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:

  • Driver's license number.
  • Personal information.
  • Choice of fishing license.
  • Credit card number.

Commercial Fishing Licenses in Mississippi

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:

  • Resident commercial fishing license
  • Nonresident commercial fishing license

The state of Mississippi lists the following fish species as non-game (available to gross fish)

  • Buffalo fishes
  • Catfishes
  • Carp
  • Paddlefish
  • Gar
  • Shad
  • Drum

Interested commercial fishermen can buy MS commercial fishing licenses by submitting the commercial fishing application by mail to the department's Jackson office.

Mississippi Fishing Education

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 program
  • Mississippi Museum of Natural Sciences field trips

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:

  • Fish anatomy and habitats
  • Fishing techniques
  • Environmental concerns

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.

Mississippi Fishing Organizations

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:

  • Magnolia Crappie Club
  • Mississippi Gulf Coast Big Game Fishing Club
  • Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Foundation

Magnolia Crappie Club

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:

  • Group participation in fishing tournaments
  • Fishing guide services
  • Fishing magazines

Mississippi Gulf Coast Big Game Fishing Club

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.

Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Foundation

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.

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