How to Avoid a Suspended Fishing License

If you love fishing, having a suspended fishing license could be devastating. Keep your passion and your privileges on the water active by being mindful of the ways in which you could potentially lose them.

Having your fishing license revoked means you can't go fishing, even on free fishing weekends. While each state has different laws and regulations, check out a few examples of things you should do so that you can keep reeling 'em in.
 

• Follow all state and federal fishing laws and regulations. Violations of recreational hunting or fishing laws can result in the suspension of your fishing license. To avoid suspension, always check the fishing regulations for your state as well as special laws that may apply to specific waterways where you plan to fish.
• Demonstrate respect for all fish, wildlife, and fisheries. If it is noted that there has been a willful disregard for conservation of fish or wildlife, your fishing license can be revoked. Causing serious detriment to a fishery or the competitive disposition of other anglers is a punishable offense
• Pay child support. In some states, you may subject to a suspended fishing license if you are behind in child support payments.
• Take fish and wildlife using only legal methods as outlined in your state's regulations. For example, in the state of Florida, game fish may only be taken with pole and line or rod and reel. In addition, Florida laws states that freshwater fish may not be taken by use of any free-floating, unattached device, or by taking of fish or wildlife with firearms, explosives, electricity, spear gun, poison or other chemicals. Know the legal methods in your state.

In addition to these examples, make sure you purchase a fishing license prior to your fishing trips or renew your existing license to make sure it is valid. Avoid having your fishing license revoked by always fishing legally and responsibly.