Fishing License Requirements
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
One of the most common questions visitors to the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast pose is who needs a fishing license to enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities. Before you cast your line, let's clarify who needs a fishing license in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
Who Needs an Alabama Saltwater Fishing License?
Almost all anglers who cast a line into the waters, inshore and offshore, along the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast will need to have a saltwater fishing license, with a few exceptions. Fishing from a private vessel, the surf or shore, or a pier requires a license.
Residents and nonresidents under the age of 16 are exempt from the license requirement. Residents age 65 and over are also exempt. Those casting off on a fishing charter do not need a license, as the boat's license covers all passengers.
Fishing License Types
Annual & Trip Licenses
Annual and seven-day trip licenses are available for residents and non-residents. This license is also required for cast netting, flounder gigging and recreational crab traps. By the way, the flounder season is closed for the entire month of November to allow the fish’s spawning migration to continue unabated.
Discounted Fishing Licenses
The new system also makes it easier for people with disabilities or who have served in the military to purchase special discounted licenses. With the new system, they will be able to scan the documents and upload them into the system to be able to buy the licenses online. Previously, those aforementioned people would have to go to county courthouses and provide documentation to purchase those special licenses. The applications are reviewed by ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division in Montgomery. Once those documents are approved for eligibility, the applicants will receive an email that they have been approved. Once they log back into the system, they will see that they have been approved to buy a disabled hunting or fishing license.
Where to Fish with an Alabama Saltwater Fishing License
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division provides a map to determine the waters where saltwater fishing licenses are required.
What Kind of Fishing Requires a Saltwater License
Surf Fishing
If you’re fishing the surf outside your condo or anywhere along the shore, you need a fishing license or be on the registry. This includes shore fishing at Perdido Pass Bridge and Little Lagoon. You must have a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license with you at all times and be prepared to show it to local authorities if requested.
Boat Fishing
A license is required for anglers offshore and deep-sea fishing in the Gulf in a private boat. If you’re in your own or a friend’s boat and are inshore fishing Little Lagoon, Perdido Bay, Wolf Bay, or the Bon Secour River, you also need a fishing license or be on the registry.
Pier Fishing
An Alabama Saltwater fishing license is required for pier fishing in the Gulf as well. Those who visit the Gulf State Park Pier need a license in order to pay $10 fishing fee. Fishing licenses are no longer available to purchase at the pier. Anglers who cast a line on the Fort Morgan Fishing Pier will also need a saltwater license and angler registry. Pier fishing licenses are $7.65 for Alabama residents and $14.15 for non-residents.
Alabama Freshwater Fishing License
Depending on the species you're after, you may need a freshwater fishing license when casting off in the Intracoastal Waterway. When driving on Canal Rd, you'll notice cars parked on the Northside of the road as people fish into the Intracoastal. The pier at Orange Beach Waterfront Park is an excellent spot for fishing without a vessel in Wolf Bay.
License Exemptions for Fishing on Alabama's Beaches
Residents and non-residents under 16 are exempt from needing a license. Residents aged 65 and over are also exempt. However, free saltwater registration is required for all residents 16 and over who take, catch, kill, or possess fish or attempt to catch, kill, or possess fish in the saltwater jurisdiction of Alabama. This includes residents not required to purchase an annual saltwater fishing license, such as those over the age of 64 with a lifetime saltwater license or who fish exclusively on a pier that has purchased a pier fishing license.
Other Types of Fishing Licenses on Alabama Beaches
Reef Fish Endorsement
If you’re planning to head into the Gulf on a private boat to catch the numerous reef fish species, like red snapper, triggerfish, or grouper, you will need a Reef Fish Endorsement, which is $10 per individual. Again, charter boats have a vessel endorsement that covers all their clients. You can learn more on the Alabama Outdoor site.
Reciprocal License System
Alabama uses a reciprocal license system for non-residents, charging the residents of that state a similar fee an Alabama resident would pay in their state. For instance, a Louisiana resident would pay $129.20 for an annual saltwater fishing license in Alabama. Florida residents would pay $48.20 for the same license. All other states are charged $64.90 for the yearly license.
Purchase Your Alabama Saltwater Fishing License
If you have a smartphone, as most people do, the Outdoor AL app is the easiest way to take care of your license needs and use Snapper Check to report your catches of red snapper, greater amberjack, and gray triggerfish.
On your desktop or laptop, My Outdoor Alabama gives you a guided tour of how to get the license(s) you need.
Plan to visit Alabama’s Beaches and experience the great fishing opportunities soon!
David Rainer
David Rainer has written about the great outdoors on the Alabama Gulf Coast for more than 20 years. For 14 of those years, he covered the many fishing opportunities on the Gulf Coast as outdoors editor at the Mobile Press-Register. He is past president of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and currently serves on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's Outreach and Education Advisory Panel and the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation board.
Reel
Pack your bags and get ready for a fishing adventure in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. The Alabama Gulf Coast hosts numerous fishing opportunities so that you can get your fix. Choose from deep sea fishing, off-shore fishing, in-shore fishing, as well as surf and pure fishing.
Book a fishing charter to make things easier as permits will be provided along with your charter experience. There are also a wide variety of options to choose from in terms of time-length and also experience levels.
Start planning your vacation
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Before fishing in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan waters, understand Alabama's license requirements. Most anglers need a saltwater fishing license, though children under 16 and Alabama residents 65 and older are exempt. Learn about license types, where they're required—from surf fishing to piers to private boats—plus special endorsements and registration rules.