Alabama vs Georgia fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Georgia is $21.05 cheaper than Alabama. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Georgia is $18.20 cheaper than Alabama. You need a license from age 16 in Alabama and in Georgia.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Alabama | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $38.05 | $10 |
| 3 days | $38.05 | $17 |
| 7 days | $38.05 | $31 |
| 1 year | $68.20 | $50 |
| Salt water | ||
| 1 day | $36.65 | $10 |
| 3 days | $36.65 | $17 |
| 7 days | $36.65 | $31 |
| 1 year | $66.80 | $50 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $17.45 | $15 |
| Salt water | $30.90 | $15 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Alabama | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Free (fresh + salt): Alabama residents 65 and over (salt water still needs the free Saltwater Angler Registry, and Gulf reef fish need the endorsement) Resident lifetime freshwater fishing license (age 50 and over): $225.50 (ages 50+) Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license (age 50 and over): $375.55 (ages 50+) Resident lifetime freshwater and saltwater fishing license (age 50 and over): $600.40 (ages 50+) | Resident senior fishing license (65+): $4 (ages 65+) Resident senior lifetime fishing license (65+): $35 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Saltwater Angler Registry (free): Free | Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit: Free |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers | It depends on the boat and where you fish |
| License on your phone | Accepted | – |
| Annual licenses last | To 08-31 | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Alabama fishing license · Georgia fishing license
Shared waters
Chattahoochee River and lakes (Alabama) (Georgia rules)
Anyone meeting Georgia or Alabama license requirements can fish from the banks and in the border section of the Chattahoochee River and Lakes West Point, Walter F. George (Eufaula), Bartletts Ferry (Harding), Goat Rock, Oliver, George W. Andrews and Seminole (the part not covered by the Florida agreement). Not covered: West Point's Chattahoochee arm above the Georgia Highway 109 bridge, Lake Weiss and other tributaries. Live blueback herring cannot be used in the Alabama waters covered. Secondary source: Georgia sport fishing regulations (eRegulations)
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Alabama | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Trout |
Rainbow trout |
bag 8 |
| Walleye |
bag 2 |
bag 8 |
| Crappie |
9" minimum (10" on Weiss Reservoir); bag 30 |
bag 30 |
| Catfish |
bag No limit under 34"; only 1 over 34" |
Channel and flathead catfish |
| Striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
Striped, white and hybrid bass |
| Red drum (redfish) |
Red drum |
Red drum |
| Spotted seatrout |
15" to 22" total length; 1 of the 6 may be over 22"; bag 6 |
14" minimum; bag 15 |
| Flounder |
14" total length; bag 5 |
12" minimum; bag 15 |
| Cobia |
36" fork length; bag 1 |
36" fork length; bag 1 (6 per boat) |
Questions
Is a Alabama fishing license valid in Georgia?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Chattahoochee River and lakes (Alabama).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Alabama or Georgia?
1 day (fresh water): Alabama $38.05, Georgia $10. 1 year (fresh water): Alabama $68.20, Georgia $50.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Alabama and Georgia?
You need a license from age 16 in Alabama and in Georgia.