Can You Buy A Fishing License At Academy?

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Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by Paul Clayton

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Can You Buy A Fishing License At Academy?

All Academy Sports + Outdoors stores sell hunting and fishing licenses. Visit our Store Locator to find a store near you.

Academy Sports + Outdoors is an authorized retailer of fishing licenses in several states across the United States. The specific states where you can buy a fishing license at Academy may vary over time and depending on the specific store location. However, here are some states where Academy Sports + Outdoors typically sells fishing licenses:

Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas

Several sporting goods chain stores are located on the West Coast of the United States. Some of the well-known chains include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.). These stores offer a wide range of products, including equipment for various sports, outdoor gear, and clothing.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States, with over 800 stores across the country. Big 5 Sporting Goods has over 400 stores in 11 western states. Sportsman’s Warehouse has over 100 stores across the United States, focusing on hunting, fishing, and camping gear. REI is a co-op specializing in outdoor gear and has over 160 stores in the United States.

It’s important to note that fishing license requirements and regulations vary by state, so be sure to check with your state’s wildlife agency to determine what type of fishing license you need and where you can purchase it.

Academy Sports + Outdoors: As mentioned earlier, Academy Sports + Outdoors is an authorized retailer for fishing licenses in many states across the United States. The availability of fishing licenses at Academy stores may vary depending on the location and state laws.

Walmart: Many Walmart stores across the United States sell fishing licenses. You can purchase a fishing license at the sporting goods department or the customer service desk.

Bass Pro Shops: Bass Pro Shops is another retailer that sells fishing licenses. You can purchase a fishing license at the customer service desk or the fishing department.

Cabela’s: Like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s is a fishing license retailer. You can purchase a fishing license at the customer service desk or the fishing department.

Local bait and tackle shops: Many local bait and tackle shops also sell fishing licenses. You can check with your local bait and tackle shop to see if they offer this service.

Online: Most states allow you to purchase a fishing license online from the state’s wildlife agency website. You can visit your state’s wildlife agency website to purchase a fishing license online.

How do you buy a fishing license online in Texas?

Go to the official website for Texas Parks and Wildlife at https://www.txfgsales.com/. Texas License Connection is the online portal for Texas Parks and Wildlife, where you can purchase your Texas fishing license. Click “Purchase Items.” This will bring you to the customer search page.

Keep reading for your state’s Fish and Wildlife Agencies website address.

How can I renew my fishing license online?

The process for renewing your fishing license online may vary depending on where you are located, but generally, the steps are as follows:

Visit the website of your state’s fish and wildlife agency or the agency that issues fishing licenses in your area.
Look for the website section that allows you to purchase or renew fishing licenses online.
Follow the prompts to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact information. You may also need to provide your Social Security number or other identification information.
Select the type of fishing license you want to renew and provide any additional information required, such as the type of fishing you plan to do or the waterways you plan to fish in.
You can pay the fee for your fishing license renewal using a credit or debit card or another payment method as specified.
Once your payment has been processed, you should receive confirmation of your license renewal by email or through a printable document you can save or print for your records.
Keep your renewed fishing license on hand whenever you go fishing, as you may be required to show it to authorities or fishing enforcement officers.

If you have any issues with the online renewal process, you may want to contact your state’s fish and wildlife agency or the agency that issues fishing licenses in your area for assistance.

You can search online for the name of your state’s fish and wildlife agency. For example, if you live in California, you can search for “California Fish and Wildlife Agency.”
Once you have found the agency’s website, look for a “Contact Us” or “About Us” section. This should provide you with the agency’s phone number and address.
You may also be able to find information on how to contact the agency by email or through an online contact form.
If you’re having trouble finding the contact information for your state’s fish and wildlife agency, you can try calling your state government’s main information line or customer service number. They may be able to direct you to the appropriate agency or provide you with the contact information you need.

Remember that the specific contact information for each state’s fish and wildlife agency may vary, so it’s important to check the agency’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

What is a recreational fishing license?

Recreational fishing licenses also inform us who is fishing for what and from where. All the money generated from recreational fishing licenses is reinvested in initiatives that directly benefit recreational fishing. Check with your local authority for more information.

Do senior citizens need fishing licenses?

Several states offer free or reduced-cost fishing licenses to seniors 65 and older. The specific regulations and requirements can vary by state, so it’s important to check with your state’s fish and wildlife agency for more information. Here are a few examples:

Alabama: Residents aged 65 and older are eligible for a free fishing license.
Arizona: Residents aged 70 and older are eligible for a free fishing license.
Arkansas: Residents aged 65 and older are eligible for a discounted fishing license.
Georgia: Residents aged 65 and older can purchase a senior lifetime fishing license for a reduced fee.
Michigan: Residents aged 65 and older can purchase an annual fishing license for a reduced fee.
Minnesota: Residents aged 90 and older are eligible for a free fishing license.
North Carolina: Residents aged 70 and older are eligible for a free fishing license.
Ohio: Residents aged 66 and older are eligible for a reduced-cost fishing license.

Again, it’s important to check the specific regulations in your state, as they can vary. You can visit your state’s fish and wildlife agency website or contact them directly for more information on fishing license requirements and fees for senior citizens.

Consider your age. In Texas, you do not need a fishing license if you are 17 years old or younger. Senior citizen fishing licenses are available to Texans over 65.

The cost of senior citizen packages is far lower than that of normal fishing licenses. What states

Do veterans need fishing licenses?

The regulations regarding fishing licenses for veterans can vary by state and may depend on several factors, such as the veteran’s residency, disability status, and length of service. In some states, veterans may be eligible for discounted or free fishing licenses; in others, they may be required to purchase a regular fishing license.

It’s important to check the regulations in your state to determine whether veterans need a fishing license and whether they may be eligible for any discounts or exemptions. You can visit the website of your state’s fish and wildlife agency or contact them directly for more information on fishing license requirements and fees for veterans.

Do disabled persons need fishing licenses?

The regulations regarding fishing licenses for veterans can vary by state, but here are a few examples of states that offer free or discounted fishing licenses to veterans:

Alabama: Disabled veterans who are residents of Alabama are eligible for a free fishing license.
Alaska: Alaska residents who are disabled veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability are eligible for a free fishing license.
Arizona: Resident veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free fishing license.
Arkansas: Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 100% are eligible for a free fishing license.
Florida: Florida residents who are disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free fishing and hunting license.
Georgia: Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 25% or greater are eligible for a discounted fishing and hunting license.
Illinois: Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10% are eligible for a free fishing license.
Maine: Maine residents who are 100% disabled veterans are eligible for a free fishing license.
Maryland: Maryland residents who are disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free hunting and fishing license.
Massachusetts: Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 60% or greater are eligible for a free fishing license.
Michigan: Resident veterans who are 100% disabled are eligible for a free fishing license.
New Hampshire: New Hampshire residents who are 100% disabled veterans are eligible for a free fishing license.
New York: New York residents who are 40% or more disabled due to military service are eligible for a free fishing license.
North Carolina: Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater are eligible for a free fishing license.
Ohio: Resident veterans who are disabled are eligible for a free fishing license.

Is there a difference between Saltwater and Freshwater fishing licenses?

Yes, there is a difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses. Saltwater fishing licenses are required for fishing in saltwater or marine environments, such as oceans, bays, and estuaries. In contrast, freshwater fishing licenses are required for fishing in freshwater bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

Saltwater and freshwater fishing license regulations can vary by state and jurisdiction. Still, they are generally designed to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of fish and other aquatic resources. In some cases, separate licenses may be required for different fishing activities, such as recreational or commercial fishing or different fish species.

Do I have to have a different license to fish for Trout?

Here is a list of states requiring separate trout fishing licenses or tags. This may not be a complete list as regulations can change.

California
Colorado
Connecticut
Idaho
Iowa
Maine
Michigan
Montana
New Hampshire
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

It’s important to note that regulations can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the local fish and wildlife agency or department in the state where you plan to fish for the most up-to-date information on licensing requirements.

How do you buy a Non-resident fishing license?

The process for buying a non-resident fishing license varies depending on the state or province where you plan to fish. Here are some general steps you can follow:

Determine which state or province you plan to fish in and visit their fish and wildlife agency website for information on non-resident fishing licenses.
Look for the option to purchase a non-resident fishing license online. Many states and provinces offer online purchasing options.
Follow the website’s instructions to enter your personal information and select the type of fishing license you need.
You can pay the required fee using a credit card or other accepted form of payment. Some states and provinces also allow you to purchase a license over the phone or in person at a designated location.
Once you’ve completed the purchase, print out or save a digital copy of your license and keep it with you while fishing. Some states or provinces may also provide an option to have the license mailed to you.

Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Here are the website addresses for each state in alphabetical order:

Alabama – https://www.outdooralabama.com/
Alaska – https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/
Arizona – https://www.azgfd.com/
Arkansas – https://www.agfc.com/
California – https://wildlife.ca.gov/
Colorado – https://cpw.state.co.us/
Connecticut – https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting-Fishing
Delaware – https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/
Florida – https://myfwc.com/
Georgia – https://georgiawildlife.com/
Hawaii – https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/
Idaho – https://idfg.idaho.gov/
Illinois – https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Pages/default.aspx
Indiana – https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/
Iowa – https://www.iowadnr.gov/
Kansas – https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas
Kentucky – https://fw.ky.gov/
Louisiana – https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/
Maine – https://www.maine.gov/ifw/
Maryland – https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/default.aspx
Massachusetts – https://www.mass.gov/how-to/buy-your-freshwater-fishing-license
Michigan – https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/
Minnesota – https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/
Mississippi – https://www.mdwfp.com/
Missouri – https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/
Montana – https://fwp.mt.gov/
Nebraska – http://outdoornebraska.gov/
Nevada – https://www.ndow.org/
New Hampshire – https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/
New Jersey – https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/
New Mexico – http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/
New York – https://www.dec.ny.gov/
North Carolina – https://www.ncwildlife.org/
North Dakota – https://gf.nd.gov/
Ohio – https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/
Oklahoma – https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/
Oregon – https://www.dfw.state.or.us/
Pennsylvania – https://www.pgc.pa.gov/
Rhode Island – http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/fish-wildlife/
South Carolina – https://www.dnr.sc.gov/
South Dakota – https://gfp.sd.gov/
Tennessee – https://www.tn.gov/twra.html
Texas – https://tpwd.texas.gov/
Utah – https://wildlife.utah.gov/
Vermont – https://vtfishandwildlife.com/
Virginia – https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/
Washington – https://wdfw.wa.gov/
West Virginia – https://www.wvdnr.gov/
Wisconsin – https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/
Wyoming – https://wgfd.wyo.gov/

Please note that these website addresses are subject to change, so if you encounter any issues accessing a particular site, you may want to double-check the URL.

Related Questions

Can you get a fishing license at Walmart anytime?

Most Walmart stores in the United States have a sporting goods department that sells fishing licenses during regular business hours. However, the availability of fishing licenses at Walmart stores may vary by location, and some stores may not sell fishing licenses at all.

If you’re planning to purchase a fishing license at Walmart, it’s a good idea to check with your local store to confirm that they sell fishing licenses and to inquire about their hours of operation. Additionally, some states may have specific regulations regarding the sale of fishing licenses, such as certain times of the year when licenses are available or certain types of identification required for purchase. You can check with your state’s fish and wildlife agency or visit their website for more information on fishing license requirements and regulations.

Is there a fine for fishing without a license?

Yes, there can be fines or penalties for fishing without a license. The specific fines and penalties can vary depending on the state or jurisdiction in which the offense occurs and the circumstances of the violation.

In many cases, fines for fishing without a license can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the violation and any previous offenses. In some cases, individuals may also face additional penalties, such as suspension or revocation of their fishing privileges, community service, or even imprisonment.

It’s important to check the regulations in your state or jurisdiction to determine the specific fines and penalties for fishing without a license. It’s always best to obtain the appropriate fishing license before engaging in any fishing activities to avoid any potential legal consequences.

Can you fish in the Keys with a Florida fishing license?

You can fish in the Florida Keys with a Florida fishing license. The Florida Keys are located within Florida, so a valid Florida fishing license is required to fish in these waters.

However, it’s worth noting that certain types of fishing may require additional permits or licenses. For example, you will need a separate fishing permit for lobster or stone crab. Similarly, you may need a special permit or tag to fish for certain species, such as snook or tarpon.

It’s always a good idea to check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to ensure you have all the necessary permits and licenses before heading out on a fishing trip. The FWC website provides detailed information on fishing regulations and permits, and you can also contact the FWC directly for more information.

Can you buy a Canadian fishing license online?

Yes, purchasing a Canadian fishing license online in most provinces and territories is possible. The process for buying a fishing license online may vary depending on the province or territory, but generally, you can follow these steps:

Visit the website of the appropriate provincial or territorial government agency that regulates fishing, such as the Ministry of Natural Resources or the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Look for the website section that allows you to purchase or renew fishing licenses online.
Follow the prompts to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact information. You may also need to provide identification information, such as your driver’s license or passport number.
Select the type of fishing license you want to purchase and provide any additional information required, such as the type of fishing you plan to do or the waterways you plan to fish in.
You can pay the fee for your fishing license using a credit or debit card or another payment method as specified.
Once your payment has been processed, you should receive confirmation of your license purchase, either by email or through a printable document you can save or print for your records.
Keep your fishing license on hand whenever you go fishing. You may be required to show it to authorities or fishing enforcement officers.

You may want to contact the appropriate provincial or territorial government agency for assistance if you have any issues with the online license purchase process.

Can you buy a Mexican fishing license online?

Yes, purchasing a Mexican fishing license online through the website of Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission (CONAPESCA) is possible. The process for buying a fishing license online may vary depending on the state or region in which you plan to fish, but generally, you can follow these steps:

Visit the CONAPESCA website at sport fishing and nautical tourism.
Look for the website section that allows you to purchase a fishing license online.
Follow the prompts to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact information. You may also need to provide identification information, such as your passport number.
Select the type of fishing license you want to purchase and provide any additional information required, such as the type of fishing you plan to do or the area in which you plan to fish.
You can pay the fee for your fishing license using a credit or debit card or another payment method as specified.
Once your payment has been processed, you should receive confirmation of your license purchase by email or through a printable document you can save or print for your records.
Keep your fishing license on hand whenever you go fishing. You may be required to show it to authorities or fishing enforcement officers.

If you have any issues with the online license purchase process, you may want to contact CONAPESCA directly for assistance.

Can you buy a Puerto Rican fishing license online?

Yes, it is possible to purchase a Puerto Rican fishing license online. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) has an online portal where residents and non-residents can purchase fishing licenses.

To purchase a fishing license online, you must create an account on the DRNA website, provide your personal information, and pay the license fee using a valid credit card. Once your payment is processed, you can print your fishing license and carry it while fishing in Puerto Rico.

It is important to note that the fishing regulations in Puerto Rico can vary depending on the location and the targeted species, so review the rules and regulations before heading out on a fishing trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fishing license requirements can vary by state and jurisdiction, and it’s important to understand your area’s regulations before fishing. While some states may offer exemptions or discounted fishing licenses for certain groups of people, such as senior citizens, veterans, or disabled persons, there can be fines or penalties for fishing without a license or violating fishing regulations.

Fishing licenses are generally available online, through state or provincial fish and wildlife agency websites, or in person at sporting goods stores, including some Walmart stores. Make sure to check with your local store to confirm that they sell fishing licenses and to inquire about their hours of operation. Additionally, it’s important to keep your fishing license on hand whenever you go fishing, as you may be required to show it to authorities or fishing enforcement officers.

Fishing licenses can typically be purchased in various ways, depending on your state or jurisdiction. If all else fails, you can try by mail. Some states or provinces may allow you to purchase fishing licenses by mail, although this may not be a common option.

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