Children, both resident and nonresident, younger than the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license to fish in Alabama's freshwaters. In lieu of a state fishing license, kids are encouraged to take part in of many community fishing programs offered throughout Alabama.
The Kids' Community Fishing program began in 1995 in an effort to bring families and children together while learning about how to fish. To date, more than 175,000 participants have fished as part of the program in more than 800 state-affiliated events.
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Volunteers operate the program statewide. The state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources assists the program, providing material support, technical support, and partnership planning tools.
Outside funding largely contributes to the cost of acquiring fish and operating the program.
Fish are stocked into the participating lakes and ponds in an effort to enhance the fishing experience of the youth involved. The fish remain when the event is over and are up for grabs to all anglers that are able to fish the region after that time.
Kids' Community Fishing ponds and lakes are open to the public during designated time periods. During an event, only kids are able to fish the waters.
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Parents who are residents of Alabama can purchase lifetime fishing (and hunting) licenses for their children even prior to the required age of 16. Licenses are often bought as a gift that can last a lifetime. Parents must include required information, such as physician information and childcare information, prior to the issuance of a lifetime license.
These types of license are considered a unique way to continue a family tradition.
The cost of lifetime license varies based on the child's age and increases over time. The lowest price for which a parent can purchase a lifetime license for their kids is for licenses purchased when the kids ages 2 and under.
Perhaps the best benefit of purchasing a lifetime license for kids is that it remains valid throughout their lives even if they move out of state.
Children 16 and older are bound by the same licensing requirements as adults, resident or nonresident.
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