Walmart has been a one-stop-shop for everything you need. When we say everything, we literally mean EVERYTHING. So if you’re wondering where to buy a fishing license or if Walmart sells fishing licenses, look no further. Now, how much does a fishing license cost at Walmart? We’ve got long answers for that, so read on.
How To Determine Your Walmart Fishing License Cost?
There are different factors that affect the price of your fishing license. Believe it or not, even each Walmart location around the states has different prices. However, the figures below are a good starting point.
- Where Will You Be Fishing?
What bodies of water you intend to fish in can affect Walmart’s fishing license price. Most states categorize their licenses into saltwater and fresh water.
For example, for Walmart fishing licenses in Texas, a fresh water license will cost $30, saltwater licenses will cost $35, and all-water licenses will cost $40. Additionally, some states won’t require you to have a license, especially when you’re fishing in a state park.
- How Long Will You Be Fishing?
The cost of a Walmart fishing license varies depending on how long you are allowed to fish. Some find it convenient to fish for just one day, while heavy fishers want it for a year to save them from having to renew it every time they need it.
The cost of fishing licenses at Walmart is as follows in some states:
- One day regular fishing license starts at $11 and a maximum of $25.
- One-day sport fishing licenses will be around $15.
- Two days fishing license starts at $20.
- Three days of fishing will get your license at $25 or up.
- A week will cost you somewhere around $30.
If you want to have your license every year or every three to five years, here are some costs that will have you prepared:
- In Pennsylvania, regular prices start at $22.90, and people who are qualified for the special discounts will have to pay just $11.97.
- New Hampshire’s yearly fees start at $11 and go up to $63.
- Florida Walmart’s fishing license annual fee is $17, with a five-year license also available for $79.
- People can also buy lifetime licenses for $500 to $1,000.
As for the expiration dates, most states impose an actual 12-month validity period for annual fishing licenses. However, there are certain states wherein no matter what month you acquire your fishing license, it will always expire on December 31st, such as in Connecticut. All the other licenses will have their exact expiration dates printed on the card.
Who Can Apply And The Corresponding Rates
There are different categories you can fall into if you apply for a fishing license at Walmart. You can be a resident, a non-resident, a senior resident, a person with a disability, or a child.
Residents of Delaware can enjoy a fee of $8.50, while non-residents pay more than double the price at $20. The Resident Trout Stamp license only costs $4.20, while a non-resident would pay $2 more. Junior residents who are 12 to 15 years old will only pay $2.10.
The California Walmart fishing license price for one year is $52.66 for resident sport fishers and a staggering $142.05 for non-residents. Disabled veterans of the community would be allowed to fish for $7.98, while recovering service members and low-income seniors would also be required to pay as much. Low-income Native Americans, mobility-impaired, blind, or developmentally disabled people can fish for free.
In Pennsylvania, the annual fee for non-residents is around $52.97. Seniors have a yearly fee of $11.97 and $51.97 for a lifetime membership. A volunteer youth can fish for $2.97, while a mentored youth can have it for free.
Mind you, kids aged 15 and below (age might vary in some states) don’t need a fishing license. If children at these ages want to fish, they must be accompanied by an adult with a license.
What Are The Extra Costss?
Some states would allow extra pay for specific waterways around town. Moreover, these extras are for those interested in fishing for crab, prawns, and other aquatic resources.
Rental boats are also available. However, some of these costs just deal with cardholders, tags, and all.
As for the accessories, a fishing license holder costs $2 at Walmart. For those with lanyards, the price starts at $4, although some can go as high as $16.
In Texas, there’s a specific payment for fishing in Lake Texoma due to the fact that this lake is within the boundaries of both Texas and Oklahoma. Having this license will give you access to any part of the lake regardless if you don’t have a regular fishing license in either of the two states.
A fee of $12 would be needed for an annual Lake Texoma license. If a person needs an endorsement for a boost in his fishing license, a fresh water endorsement would cost $5, while saltwater needs $10.
A one-day red drum tag is free for both residents and non-residents, but a bonus red drum tag would require you to pay $3. On the other hand, a saltwater trotline tag would cost around $5. The individual Bait-Shrimp Trawl Tag to take prawns recreationally is priced at $37.
In Delaware, boat fishing licenses start at $40 for residents and non-residents for vessels 20’ and below. A charter boat would cost $150 to $300 for a head boat for residents. The amounts are doubled for non-residents.
Florida snook permits cost $10 annually, and their spiny lobster is $5. For five-year licenses, snook permits cost $50 and spiny lobsters $25.
The bottom line of it all is that it is actually the state that regulates the prices for fishing licenses and Walmart is just an agent for this matter. Therefore, Walmart has no control over the price, except perhaps adding a small processing or convenience fee.
Why You Need a Fishing License?
If you’re someone who hasn’t tried fishing yet, try to consider it as a hobby or a sport. It’s a perfect activity for both beginners and super fish sports enthusiasts alike.
However, many fish species are already endangered due to free, commercial, and sport overfishing. To control the number of aquatic animals in the wild, the government requires a fishing license.
Fishing licenses ensure that you only catch fish legally and in designated bodies of water using only the allowable fishing equipment and vessels. Why? With an endorsed license, you can prove to authorities that you only carry out your hobby or sport according to the rules.
Below are some of the reasons why a fishing license is important:
- It protects the fish population, especially those treated as vulnerable or with dwindling numbers.
- It identifies you as a legal, regular, or sports fisher and not a poacher.
- It gives you access to some regulated fishing spots.
- It saves you from hefty fines for illegal fishing. The fees from licenses are used for the protection and management of aquatic resources.