Alabama · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in Alabama?
From 16 until you turn 65, if you live in Alabama.
The ages that matter
Under 16
No license needed
Children can fish without one. Everything else still applies though — limits, sizes and seasons do not change with age.
16 to 64
License required
Carry it with you while fishing.
65 and up
Exempt, residents only
Visitors 65 and over still need one — the exemption is for Alabama residents.
How ADCNR words it
ADCNR: "Residents 16-64 years of age and all Non-Residents 16 years of age and over must have the appropriate license." And: "Residents of Alabama 65 years of age and older are not required to purchase recreational hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing licenses." The exemption is for Alabama residents only — a visitor of 70 still buys a licence.
Quoted rather than paraphrased. With rules that carry a fine, the exact wording is the point.
Other ways to be exempt
Age is one route. ADCNR lists these as well.
- Alabama residents 65 and over — for freshwater, saltwater and hunting alike
- Bank fishing with an ordinary hook and line in your own county of residence
- Alabama residents on active military duty and home on leave, carrying proof of leave
- Residents who are 100 percent disabled, through an annual physically disabled freshwater fishing licence
