Active Fishing License, Tag & Regulations Summary

Be legal, be ready and know the rules for the water you are fishing today.

Beginner

4 min

ACTIVE FISHING LICENSE, TAG & REGULATIONS SUMMARY
[ ] Water-Sealed License
[ ] Needle-Nose Pliers
[ ] Line Snips
[ ] Tackle Box

Water-Sealed License: the owner's term. Any sealed pouch that keeps paper or a phone screen dry will do.
Needle-Nose Pliers: pick corrosion-resistant ones made for fishing and rinse them after salt or mud.
Line Snips: fit your line type, including braid.

Check the rule for this exact water. Rules can change from one lake or river to the next. Read the current summary before you cast. Why it matters: a fine is the least of it, and rules protect the fish.
Handle hooks with care. Pinch down barbs when the rules allow, keep pliers close and wear eye protection when casting around other people.
Know your limits near water. Wear a life jacket on boats and in current. Stay off slick rocks and stay back from steep banks. Check the official fish and wildlife agency for your state.

Gear types only.

Waterproof license pouch or lanyard
Needle-nose pliers with a sheath
Line snips or braid scissors
Tackle box with removable trays
Wild Dirt headwear for sun on the water (headwear category)

Licenses, tags, seasons, size and bag limits, bait and gear rules and where you can fish all vary by state, water and species, and they change. Check current local rules before every trip. Use your state fish and wildlife or natural resources agency. For parks and forests, check nps.gov, fs.usda.gov or your state park site. For general information, visit takemefishing.org.

Read the rules, bring the license and leave the water better than you found it. Built by explorers, for the water and the trail.

License and paperwork

Water-Sealed License, in a waterproof sleeve or pouch
Check the dates on your license and any tag or stamp for this species or water
Printed or saved copy of the current regulations summary for your water
Photo ID

Know the rules for today's water

Open season, size and bag limits for each species, from the official summary
Any special rules for this lake, river or park
Bait and gear rules, such as hook type or barbless requirements
Rules on moving bait, water or fish between waters
Rules on tagging, reporting or keeping a catch

Tools

Needle-Nose Pliers for hooks
Line Snips on a lanyard
Small measuring tape or a ruler on your gear
Tackle Box, stocked and closed

Safety and comfort

Life jacket if you fish from a boat, kayak or dock
Sun protection, drinking water and a small first aid kit
Phone in a waterproof case
Tell someone where you are fishing and when you will be back

License and paperwork

Water-Sealed License, in a waterproof sleeve or pouch
Check the dates on your license and any tag or stamp for this species or water
Printed or saved copy of the current regulations summary for your water
Photo ID

Know the rules for today's water

Open season, size and bag limits for each species, from the official summary
Any special rules for this lake, river or park
Bait and gear rules, such as hook type or barbless requirements
Rules on moving bait, water or fish between waters
Rules on tagging, reporting or keeping a catch

Tools

Needle-Nose Pliers for hooks
Line Snips on a lanyard
Small measuring tape or a ruler on your gear
Tackle Box, stocked and closed

Safety and comfort

Life jacket if you fish from a boat, kayak or dock
Sun protection, drinking water and a small first aid kit
Phone in a waterproof case
Tell someone where you are fishing and when you will be back