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Georgia has some of the most amazing spots for bass fishing in the United States. Still, you’ll need to get a Georgia fishing license before you can hit the water.
You can purchase a license online, at any Georgia Department of Natural Resources office, or one of over 900 retailers around the state.
There are a number of different licenses available depending on each angler’s needs, and we’ve broken down exactly what you’ll need before you head out on your fishing trip.
Going fishing in Georgia? Then give a read to our Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Georgia review.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in Georgia
| GA Fishing License Requirements | Resident Age | Non-Resident Age |
| 16+ Years | 16+ Years |
The general fishing license allows anglers to fish in both fresh and saltwater for a one-year period from the date of purchase. Depending on the location and activity, additional paid or free permits may be required.
The State Issuance Permit (SIP) is necessary for saltwater fishing, while anglers wishing to fish for mountain trout will need a Trout License.
Lastly, Sportsman’s and Lifetime licenses cover all state requirements for the duration of the license holder’s life.
What Age Do You Need a Georgia Fishing License?
Resident
If you’re a resident of Georgia, here are your license requirements:
| Age | 0-16 Years Old | 16-64 Years Old | 64+ Years Old |
| Georgia FishingLicense Requirement | Not Required | Required | Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License (born on or before June 30, 1952) |
Residents under the age of 16 are exempt from needing a fishing license in the state of Georgia.
To be eligible for a resident license in the State of Georgia, a person must have lived within the state for a minimum of three months.
Other Anglers Qualifying for a Georgia Resident Fishing License Include:
- Full-time members of the military on active duty and their dependents
- Out-of-state college students living in Georgia may purchase resident licenses (current Georgia student ID required)
For lifetime license purchases, proof of residency for at least three consecutive months is required. Proof includes having a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID card dated at least three months before purchasing the license.
Non-resident
Non-residents over the age of 16 are required to have a valid Georgia fishing license if they plan to fish in any of Georgia’s public freshwater or saltwater fisheries.
Non-residents over 16 years old will need to purchase a Georgia out-of-state fishing license.
Non-resident Landowners
Non-residents who own land in Georgia must purchase a non-resident license in order to hunt or fish.
How to Buy a Georgia Fishing License
You can purchase your Georgia fishing license online, in person from a local agent, or by phone, by calling 800-366-2661.
Online
You can purchase your Georgia fishing license from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Lifetime and disability licenses cannot be purchased online due to strict documentation requirements, while all other licenses can be bought and printed online.
Local Retailer
You can also purchase your Georgia fishing license in person from a local license agent like a tackle shop or a Walmart.
How Much is a Fishing License in Georgia
The GA fishing license cost varies based on what kind of license is being purchased and whether or not the angler is purchasing a resident or a Georgia non-resident fishing license.
| Georgia Fishing License Prices | |||
| License | Term | Resident | Non-resident |
| Combo Fishing and Hunting License | Annual | $30 | $150 |
| One-Day | $5 | $30 | |
| + Additional Day | $1 | $10 | |
| Apprentice Hunting & Fishing | One-Day | $5 | $30 |
| Senior Sportsman’s (65+) | Annual | $7 | – |
| Fishing (Resident: 16–64, Nonresident: 16+) | Annual | $15 | $50 |
| One-Day | – | $10 | |
| + Additional Day | – | $3.50 | |
| Optional Youth Fishing (12–15) | Valid until holder turns 17 | $10 | – |
| Trout Permit | Annual | $10 | $25 |
| One-Day | $5 | $10 | |
| + Additional Day | $1 | $2 | |
| Saltwater Fishing (SIP) Permit | Annual | Free | Free |
| Commercial Licenses | Seasonal | $20 | $200 |
| Disability Fishing | Annual | $3 | – |
| Three-Year | $9 | – | |
| Sportsman’s Licenses | |||
| License | Age | Resident | Nonresident |
| Sportsman’s (Resident: 16–64, Nonresident: 16+) | Annual | $65 | $400 |
| One-Day | $25 | $170 | |
| + Additional Day | $3 | $20 | |
| Youth Sportsman’s (optional resident/nonresident, 15 & younger) | Valid until holder turns 17 | $15 | $50 |
| Senior Sportsman’s (65+) | Annual | $7 | – |
| One-Time Honorary Veterans | One-Year | Free | – |
| Disability Sportsman’s | Annual | $5 | – |
| Three-Year | $15 | – | |
| Lifetime Licenses | |||
| License | Age | Resident | Nonresident |
| Infant Lifetime Sportsman’s | Under 2 | $500 | $500 |
| Youth Lifetime Sportsman’s | 2–15 | $600 | – |
| Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s | 16–49 | $750 | – |
| Older Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s | 50–59 | $375 | – |
| Senior Discount Lifetime Sportsman’s | 60–64 | $315 | – |
| Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s | 65+ | $70 | – |
| Senior Lifetime Hunting | 65+ | $35 | – |
| Senior Lifetime Fishing | 65+ | $35 | – |
| Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s(born on or before June 30, 1952) | 65+ | Free | – |
| Military & Veterans Lifetime Sportsman’s | – | $600 | – |
| Nonresident Grandchild Lifetime Sportsman’s | 2–15 | $1,500 | |
| Shooting Preserve Lifetime | – | $75 | $75 |
Trout License
A Trout fishing permit is required for any anglers over the age of 16 who are fishing for mountain trout.
You must have a fishing license already to purchase this permit.
Saltwater Information Program (SIP) Permit
In order to have saltwater fishing privileges in Georgia, license holders must also get a Saltwater Information Program permit (SIP permit).
A Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) is mandatory for individuals aged 16 and above to fish in saltwater, even with a full-privilege license or if not otherwise required to have a fishing license.
The SIP permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is exempt from a Georgia fishing license?
No one over the age of sixteen is exempt from getting a Georgia fishing license. However, there are a number of free licenses certain residents can qualify for.
The Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License is for Georgia residents who were born on or before June 30th, 1952.
Residents with disabilities are also eligible for a state-paid recreational hunting and fishing license at no charge to them.
Can you fish in Georgia without a license?
You can fish in Georgia without a license only on private property if you are the owner, the owner’s immediate family, or tenants of the private property that have the owner’s consent to fish.
How much is a 3-day fishing license in Georgia?
A 3-day fishing license in Georgia will be $17.
How many days is a Georgia fishing license good for?
How many days a Georgia license is good for is dependent on what license you purchase. An annual fishing license is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
Short-term fishing licenses are available with the option to add additional days to your trip if needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a resident or not, getting a fishing license in Georgia is inexpensive and has an option for just about any angler’s needs and budget.
Not only does getting a license allow you to fish without worrying about getting fined, but the funds from fishing licenses go towards Georgia’s wildlife resources division to help preserve natural waterways, which is our responsibility as anglers.
So, once you have purchased your Georgia fishing license, download our bass lure cheatsheet. This free guide will tell you exactly what lure to throw, and when, so you can always stay on top of your game.