Which Pennsylvania fishing license do I need? And do I need any permits?
Rods and reels are designed with hundreds of options, tackle bags and vests come in various shapes, sizes and colors, and the choices of lures and bait are nearly endless.
When it comes to which license to buy for the beginning angler, though, it’s pretty simple. Your best bet is an annual fishing license. That’s it.
While there are a few options for short-term fishing – one-, three- and seven-day licenses – the annual license is the best for your money. This option provides a full year of fishing opportunities for all the waters where beginners would catch fish.
You won’t need any permits because you are not going after the harder to hook trout species which require a Trout Permit, and very few beginning anglers are ready for the vast open waters of Lake Erie, which requires a permit beyond a standard fishing license.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission does provide some special licenses to people over 65 and some veterans. Anyone under 16 doesn’t need a license to fish, and there are special considerations for people with certain disabilities. But for most new anglers, you are good to go with the annual license.
Buy your Pennsylvania fishing license at HuntFish.PA.gov.
