5 International Fishing License Guidelines to Know

Whether you plan to visit Australia's Northern Territory to target barramundi or hop aboard a skiff in the Bahamas to land your first bonefish on fly, you'll need to purchase an international fishing license. The important thing to remember is that every country will have different fishing license requirements and fees. To help you through the process of buying a non-resident fishing license for an international trip, consider a few guidelines that may make your planning process easier.

Since you know how to find specific information on buying the right international fishing permit or license, why not start planning your bucket list trip? Your best fishing memories have yet to be made!
 

  1. Use a reputable tour company or fishing outfitter that will assist you in planning your international trip (including any international fishing permit or license details). They will be familiar with any license requirements and fees that apply to your desired destination. In many cases, they can take care of all the fishing license paperwork before you arrive.
  2. Current Bahamas fishing regulations state that fishing licenses are now required. However, most lodges, fishing resorts, or guides that you book with will have license forms on hand. In this case, you can simply fill out the license form upon your arrival, and then pay the lodge or guide to finalize your license.
  3. Since Hawaii and Alaska are both part of the United States and not considered international fishing destinations, you can buy a fishing license online for either one. However, if you book a fishing trip with a charter boat or fishing guide, it's a good idea to check with your captain or guide to find out which specific type of license you need to have before you go.
  4. If you want to purchase a Canada international fishing license, you'll need to remember that each province or territory have different license laws (just like our individual states). In Ontario, for example, the fishing license requirement for non-residents consists of two parts: The purchase of an Outdoors Card and the purchase of a fishing license tag. Be sure to check the license requirements that pertain to the province or territory where you will be fishing.
  5. When planning to take a trip to Australia, it may be useful for you to know that you can find the international fishing license requirements for each of the states and territories on their websites. These include, but are not limited to: New South Wales Fishing & Aquaculture, Victorian Fisheries, Queensland Fisheries, South Australia Fisheries, Western Australia Fisheries, Tasmania Sea Fishing & Aquaculture and Tasmania's Inland Fisheries Service, Northern Territory Fisheries, and Australian Capital Territory fisheries.
Since you know how to find specific information on buying the right international fishing permit or license, why not start planning your bucket list trip? Your best fishing memories have yet to be made!

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Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.