One of the biggest questions that Classic participants are asking is, “What fishing license will I need for the Mixed Bag?”. The answer is, “It depends on where you fish, and where you’re from”. If you look at the boundary map on the left, you’ll see that it includes both Alabama and Florida coastal waters.
Alabama
UPDATE (05/02/2023): Please note that a Freshwater Fishing License is REQUIRED to fish the Lake Shelby watershed in Gulf State Park. Click Here for more info.
Saltwater/Brackish . If you fish saltwater areas as defined below, you will need an Alabama saltwater license. It’s free if you’re under the age of 16. An annual saltwater license is $26.50 for Alabama residents, $48.15 for Florida residents, a whopping $129 for Louisiana residents, and $57 for all other states. There is a 7-day trip license which is much cheaper: $11 for Alabama residents and $31 for all other states – including Louisiana. We strongly suggest non-residents purchase the 7-day trip license.
Freshwater. If you fish Lake Shelby or any waters not defined as “saltwater” below, you’ll need a freshwater license. The annual non-resident license for Louisiana and Mississippi is much higher than other states, so for that reason we suggest the freshwater 7-day trip license. It’s $32, except for Georgia residents it’s $33.
This map defines the saltwater areas for Alabama. Please note that it includes Lake Shelby chain of lakes which is defined as FRESHWATER for license purposes. LINK TO MAP.
If you fish strictly from a qualified pier, there’s also a pier license which is about half the cost of the saltwater license. Also, there’s a Disabled License and a Disabled Veterans License (20% discount).
To purchase an Alabama fishing license online, go to www.outdooralabama.com.
Florida
Saltwater. If you are a Florida resident and fish strictly from the shoreline, or a structure affixed to shore, then there is NO COST for your saltwater license. Otherwise, the resident annual license is $17. Non-resident annual license is $47. A non-resident 3-day license is $17, and a non-resident 7-day license is $30.
Freshwater. If you are a Florida resident, an annual freshwater license is $17. For non-residents, an annual license is $47, a 7-day license is $30, and a 3-day license is $17.
Military. All active duty and retired members of the military stationed in Florida or claiming Florida as their primary residence can get the Military Gold Sportsmans License that encompasses freshwater, saltwater, as well as various hunting priviledges for just $20.
To get a Florida fishing license online, go to https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/