Resources for Fishing: Recreational Fishing

Overview Commercial Fishing Recreational Fishing Subsistence Fishing Fisheries by Region

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Recreational Fishing

Do I Need a Permit or License?

State Regulations and Licenses

If you are fishing in state waters (generally 0 to 3 miles off shore), contactyour state fish and wildlife agency for a fishing license.

Find state fishing regulations and licenses

Federal Fishing Permits

Since January 1, 2011, a saltwater recreational fishing license or registration from any state or U.S. territory except Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, automatically registers you in theNational Saltwater Angler Registryand you do not need to take further action. Otherwise, please visit the registry to ensure you are registered. If you plan on fishing anywhere for highly migratory species—such as tunas and billfish—or for bottomfish in Hawaii, check out the links below to get the permits you need.

Atlantichighly migratory species permits

Hawaiian Islands bottomfish permit

Where Can I Fish?

Anglers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts can use ourcomprehensive, online database of public recreational fishing sites from Maine through Mississippiand Puerto Rico. Usethe “Guest Login” button to browse recreational access points—and the amenities at each location—in your state.

Search public recreational fishing sites

What Can I Catch in Federal Waters?

The eight regional fishery management councils establish specific management measures (such as fishing seasons, size limits, and bag limits) based on the best available science, which are then implemented by NOAA Fisheries. Be sure to review the recreational fishing regulations for the region you are fishing in.

American Samoa Federal Fishing Regulations

Alaska Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Fishing Compliance Guide

Caribbean Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations(PDF, 14 pages)

Greater Atlantic Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations

Guam Federal Fishing Regulations(PDF, 22 pages)

Gulf of Mexico Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations

Northern Mariana Islands Federal Fishing Regulations

South Atlantic Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations

Federal Rules & Regulations

In partnership with the regional fishery management councils, interstate marine fisheries commissions, international fisheries management organizations, and under the guidance of the Magnuson Stevens Conservation and Management Act, NOAA Fisheries plays a key role in the implementation and enforcement of federal fishery rules and regulations in the U.S.Exclusive Economic Zone (3 to 200 miles off shore).

Learn more about federal rules and regulations

What Responsible Fishing Practices Should I Follow?

Learn what you can do to be a responsible steward of our ocean resources.

Catch and release

Seabird release

Fishing tips to protect sea turtles and marine mammals

Fishing around sea turtles

How Can I Get Involved?

Find out how you can get involved in monitoring the health of our oceans and fish resources.

Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program

Cooperative Research Program

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program

Shark Tagging

Resources for Fishing: Recreational Fishing | NOAA Fisheries