Fishing License: $15 annual | $5 for one-day & $1 for additional days
Residents age 16–64 must have a fishing license to fish in fresh and salt waters of Georgia. This license covers basic fishing privileges.
- Additional paid or free licenses may be needed depending on location and activity:
- Saltwater fishing additionally requires the free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit.
- Mountain trout fishing additionally requires the paid Trout License.
Fishing licenses are available in annual and short-term durations.
Optional Youth Fishing License: $10
Resident youth under the age of 15 can get an Optional Youth Fishing License. The multiyear license is effective until the youth's 17th birthday. Mountain trout privileges are included in this license.
Senior Fishing License: $4
Resident Fishing licenses are available to seniors (age 65+) at a discounted rate. This license does not include trout fishing, see Senior Sportsman's License. This license is available in annual duration. See Lifetime Licenses for additional options.
Seniors who turned 65 (and were born on or before June 30, 1952) are eligible for a free lifetime license.
Tips For Fishing With Kids
- Keep it easy. Choose simple tackle, bait and techniques. Fish for a species that is plentiful and easy to catch. Your goal should be to keep their rod bent as much as possible. Don't worry about catching a fish that YOU will be proud of...catch anything! The more interesting, colorful and unique the fish, the more excited they will be.
- Keep it short. Marathon days are not what they need. Try to find fishing spots VERY close to home that that don't require long car or boat rides.
- Keep them covered. Use plenty of sunscreen and protective clothing. Try not to make anything about the experience painful or unpleasant.
- Keep them happy. Take lots of snacks including a treat that usually is not allowed at home. Snacks can help break up moments of frustration and will keep the kids interested.
- Keep your cool. Expect to re-bait hooks and take out line tangles and knots all day. This is their day, not yours. The quickest way to turn children off to fishing is to get frustrated with them. Teach them what you know—tell them about birds, plants, or fish. Kids remember these things and find it interesting. Read to them about fish.
- Keep a few fish for dinner. Keep fish within the legal catch limits and never keep more than you plan to eat. These lessons mold responsible and conscientious anglers helping to ensure the future of our fishery resources.
