GET LICENSED.
THEN LET'S FISH.
Everything you need before your Gulf Coast fishing adventure, all in one easy place.
Choose the state where you'll be fishing, follow the steps, and take care of your license before your trip.
BEFORE YOU HIT THE SAND
TWO STATES.
ONE EASY GUIDE.
Don't worry about figuring out government websites on your own.
We've laid out the basics below and linked you directly to the official Alabama and Florida licensing systems.
ALABAMA
SALTWATER
FISHING LICENSE
Most guests age 16 and older need an Alabama saltwater fishing license.
FIRST
DO I NEED ONE?
Age 16 or older?
You will generally need an Alabama saltwater fishing license.
Visiting from another state?
Nonresidents age 16+ generally need a license.
Under 16?
Alabama residents and nonresidents under 16 are exempt.
Alabama resident age 65+?
You are exempt from purchasing the saltwater license,
although Saltwater Angler Registration requirements may still apply.
NEXT
WHAT DO I CHOOSE?
Look for a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License.
READY TO GET YOUR
ALABAMA LICENSE?
You'll be taken directly to Alabama's official Outdoor Alabama licensing system.
GET MY ALABAMA LICENSE ↗ View Alabama saltwater license information →FLORIDA
SALTWATER
FISHING LICENSE
Florida guests will generally need a Florida saltwater fishing license. Shark anglers age 16+ also have an additional permit requirement.
START HERE
GET YOUR FLORIDA
SALTWATER LICENSE
Visiting anglers generally need a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license unless an exemption applies.
Nonresident age 16+?
Plan on purchasing a Florida saltwater fishing license.
Florida resident fishing from shore?
Florida offers a resident shoreline saltwater fishing license.
SHORE-BASED
SHARK PERMIT
IT'S FREE.
Florida requires shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older to have this permit.
Florida requires you to complete its shore-based shark fishing educational course.
START SHARK COURSE ↗After completing the course, go to Florida's licensing system and add the Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit.
GET FREE SHARK PERMIT ↗Keep access to your license and permit on your phone while you're fishing.
Florida says the shore-based shark permit requirement applies to shark anglers age 16 and older, including anglers who may otherwise qualify for a fishing-license exemption.
WANT TO READ
THE FULL RULES?
Check Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's current shark fishing regulations before your trip.
FLORIDA SHARK RULES ↗ONE LAST CHECK
BEFORE YOUR
ADVENTURE.
ALABAMA TRIP
FLORIDA TRIP
NOT SURE WHICH ONE YOU NEED?
JUST ASK US.
We'll let you know whether your scheduled trip is fishing Alabama or Florida waters so you can get the right license.
CALL (251) 500-8300Fishing license requirements, exemptions, fees and regulations can change. Gulf Shores Guides provides this page as a convenience for our guests. Always follow the current requirements published by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.