Did you know that in Alabama utilizing trotlines are limited to 100 hooks total for all recreational licensed fisherman? Don’t feel bad if you didn’t because almost no one else knew that too, except me because I spent a good amount of time researching everything you need to know about Alabama’s fishing licenses. Once you read this article you will be ready to get your fishing on, your welcome!

Alabama Fishing Regulations

The State of Alabama states:

  • You may not fish in private waters without permission from the owners
  • You may not take or attempt to take, catch or kill, any game fish by any means other than ordinary hook and line, artificial lure, live bait, troll or spinner in any of the public waters of this State
  • It is ­illegal to use electrical devices, explosives, poisons or firearms to take fish of any species from these waters
  • All species of bream may be used as bait as long as a person does not have in his ­possession total bream numbers exceeding the daily bag limit (all other native game fish may not be used for bait)
  • You may not sell or purchase any game fish from Alabama or in Alabama from another state (there are some exceptions)
  • You may not fish trotline or snag line, set line, commercial fishing net, slat boxes or wire baskets within one-half mile below any lock, dam or powerhouse
  • Utilizing trotlines are limited to 100 hooks total for all recreational licensed fisherman
  • All trotlines are required to have a plastic or metal tag attached containing the owners name and either their address, fishing license number or phone number
  • Commercial or non-game fish may be ­legally taken by gigs or by grabbling by hand by ­anyone who has a valid sport fishing license
  • You may not take fish by snagging on the Chattahoochee River or its impoundments, the Tennessee River or its impoundments, and State-owned public fishing lakes

Fishing License Period

Alabama fishing licenses are available as:

  • Daily fishing licenses
  • Annual fishing licenses
  • Lifetime fishing licenses

Free or Reduced Fee Alabama Fishing Licenses

The State of Alabama offers free fishing licenses or reduced fishing licenses for :

  • Nonresident active-duty military members
  • Nonresident college students

Alabama Fishing Licenses Are NOT Required For

If you fall into any of the below categories you’re in luck, because you aren’t required to have a fishing license:

  • Any Alabama resident or non-resident under the age of 16
  • Alabama residents over 65 years of age
  • Alabama resident who are landowners or tenants, and their immediate family
  • Alabama residents who are on military leave (ID and paperwork are needed)

Buy an Alabama Fishing License