Arkansas Fishing License: Everything You Need to Know Before You Cast Your Line
Are you a fishing enthusiast planning to fish in Arkansas? Well, before you cast your line, you need to Get a fishing license. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Arkansas fishing licenses, including the different types, how to Get one, and the rules and regulations to follow.
Types of Arkansas Fishing License
There are several types of fishing licenses in Arkansas, and each is designed for a specific group of people. Here are the different types of fishing licenses available in Arkansas:
Resident Fishing License
A resident fishing license is designed for Arkansas residents who want to fish in Arkansas waters. To qualify for a resident license, you must have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days before applying for the license.
Non-Resident Fishing License
A non-resident fishing license is designed for people who do not live in Arkansas but want to fish in Arkansas waters. If you are a non-resident, you can Get a daily, three-day, seven-day, or annual license.
Senior Resident Fishing License
A senior resident fishing license is designed for Arkansas residents aged 65 or older. To qualify for this license, you must have been an Arkansas resident for at least 60 days before applying.
Disabled Resident Fishing License
People who live in Arkansas and have a permanent disability can Get a disabled resident fishing license. To qualify for this license, you must provide proof of your disability when applying.
Commercial Fishing License
A commercial fishing license is designed for people who want to fish for commercial purposes in Arkansas waters. To Get this license, you must meet certain requirements set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
How to Get an Arkansas Fishing License
Getting an Arkansas fishing license is easy and straightforward. You can Get your license online, by phone, or in person at an authorized agent. Here’s how to Get an Arkansas fishing license:
Online
To Get an Arkansas fishing license online, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website and follow the prompts to purchase your license.
By Phone
To Get an Arkansas fishing license by phone, call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 800-364-4263 and provide your personal and payment information.
In Person
To Get an Arkansas fishing license in person, visit an authorized agent near you, such as a sporting goods store or bait shop.
Where to Buy an Arkansas Fishing License
Here are the different places where you can buy an Arkansas fishing license:
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Website
One of the easiest ways to purchase an Arkansas fishing license is online. You can buy your fishing license on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website. The website is user-friendly, and the process of purchasing a license is simple and straightforward. To purchase an Arkansas fishing license online, visit https://www.agfc.com/en/resources/licensing/ and follow the instructions provided.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Service Centers
You can buy your fishing license at an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission service center if you’d rather do it in person. The service centers are spread out across the state and have information about hunting and fishing rules, wildlife management, and conservation efforts. To find an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission service center near you, visit https://www.agfc.com/en/resources/licensing/service-centers/.
Authorized Agents
You can also purchase an Arkansas fishing license from an authorized agent. Authorized agents include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and other retail outlets. To find an authorized agent near you, visit https://www.agfc.com/en/resources/licensing/authorized-agents/.
How to purchase an Arkansas fishing license
Purchasing an Arkansas fishing license is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Decide on the type of fishing license you need. There are several types of fishing licenses available in Arkansas, including resident, non-resident, senior resident, and disabled resident licenses.
- Choose where you want to purchase your fishing license. You can purchase a fishing license online, in person, or from an authorized agent.
- Provide the required personal and payment information. To purchase an Arkansas fishing license, you will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth, as well as your payment information.
- Print your license or Get an electronic copy. After completing the purchase process, you will receive a confirmation of your license. You can either print the license or get an electronic copy to use while fishing.
Further reading and resources
For more information on Arkansas fishing licenses, regulations, and fishing in general, you can visit the following websites:
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: https://www.agfc.com/
- Arkansas Fishing Regulations: https://www.agfc.com/en/fishing/regulations/
- Arkansas Fishing Guidebook: https://www.agfc.com/en/resources/guidebooks/fishing/
- Arkansas Fishing Report: https://www.agfc.com/en/fishing/fishing-report/
Getting a fishing license in Arkansas is easy, and you need one if you want to fish there. You can purchase a fishing license online, in person, or from an authorized agent. Remember to carry your fishing license with you while fishing in Arkansas, as failure to do so can result in legal consequences. Happy fishing!
Arkansas Fishing Rules and Regulations
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has made rules about fishing in Arkansas waters to make sure that the state’s water resources will last. Here are some of the fishing rules and regulations in Arkansas:
Size and Creel Limits
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has set size and catch limits for different fish species in Arkansas waters. These limits are designed to prevent overfishing and ensure the sustainability of fish populations.
Seasons and Hours
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has set seasons and hours for fishing in Arkansas waters. The seasons and hours are set up this way to protect fish populations when they are laying eggs and to make sure that fish populations will continue to grow.
Private Property
Fishing on private property without the owner’s permission is illegal in Arkansas. Always seek permission before fishing on private property.
Catch and Release
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission encourages catch-and-release fishing. If you catch a fish that you do not intend to keep, release it back into the water as quickly and gently as possible.
Type of Fish Daily Limit
| Alligator Gar | 1/day | Only one alligator gar greater than 36 inches may be taken per year with an Alligator Gar Tag. Alligator Gar may not be taken from noon, May 1-noon, July 1, statewide. An Alligator Gar Permit is required to take alligator gar less than 36 inches, which is available at regional offices. |
| Black Bass | 10/day | Largemouth, spotted, smallmouth combined. |
| Smallmouth Bass | 4/day | The length limit in the Ozark zone is 12 inches long; otherwise, the length limit is 10 inches long. |
| Rock Bass | 10/day | Rock bass, Ozark bass, and shadow bass, combined |
| Bream | 50/day | Bluegill, redear, longear, warmouth, and other sunfishes combined. No daily limit on bream shorter than 4 inches. |
| Catfish | 10/day | Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish combined. No daily limit on bullhead catfish. |
| Crappie | 30/day | Black crappie and white crappie, combined. |
| Paddlefish | 2/day | |
| Pickerel | 6/day | |
| Sauger | 6/day | |
| Saugeye | 6/day | |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | No limit | The length limit is 21 inches or longer; harvest restricted between the main levees of the Mississippi River. |
| Striped Bass | 6/day | Hybrid stripers and striped bass combined. |
| Trout | 5/day | Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout, combined. The limit may include any combination of the following: 5 rainbow trout, two cutthroat trout, two brown trout, two brook trout. Trout may not be released or culled once placed in a live well, stringer or creel basket, statewide. |
| Walleye | 6/day | |
| White Bass | 25/day | |
| Yellow Bass | No limit | |
| Important Notes: | ||
| Daily Limit | The total limit of a certain fish species that may be taken in one day. | |
| Possession Limit | Double Daily Limit | The maximum number of a certain fish species allowed in a person’s possession at any time, whether on their person or stored in another location. Fish that have been processed and are stored at a person’s legal residence do not count toward their possession limit. |
| Snagging Limit | Half Daily Limit | |
| Spearfishing Limit | Half Daily Limit | |
Conclusion
Getting an Arkansas fishing license is easy, and it’s the first step towards a successful fishing trip. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, there is a fishing license for you. Remember to follow the rules and regulations set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to ensure the sustainability of Arkansas’s aquatic resources.
FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Arkansas if I’m under 16 years old?
Yes, all anglers, regardless of age, need a fishing license in Arkansas. However, residents under the age of 16 can Get a youth fishing license at a reduced rate.
Can I fish in Arkansas with an out-of-state license?
No, if you are not a resident of Arkansas, you need a non-resident fishing license to fish in Arkansas waters.
How much does an Arkansas fishing license cost?
The price of a fishing license in Arkansas depends on the type of license and whether or not you live there. Prices range from $6.50 for a one-day youth license to $50 for a non-resident annual license.
Can I buy an Arkansas fishing license as a gift for someone else?
Yes, you can buy an Arkansas fishing license as a gift for someone else. However, you will need to provide their personal information, such as their name, date of birth, and address, when purchasing the license.
What is the penalty for fishing in Arkansas without a license?
In Arkansas, fishing without a license is a misdemeanor that can Get you a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail, or both. It is important to Get a fishing license before casting your line to avoid any legal consequences.
