FishKillFlea· Guides · 4 min read
Commercial Fishing License Guide (2026) — Requirements, Costs & How to Apply
How to get a commercial fishing license in the US. State requirements, costs, vessel permits, and the difference between recreational and commercial licensing.
Thinking about selling your catch? You’ll need a commercial fishing license — a completely different license from the recreational fishing license most anglers carry. This guide explains the requirements, costs, and application process for commercial fishing in the United States.
Commercial vs Recreational Fishing License
| Feature | Recreational License | Commercial License |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Personal use, sport fishing | Selling catch for profit |
| Cost | $10 – $150/year | $50 – $10,000+/year |
| Gear restrictions | Rod and reel, limited nets | Commercial nets, trawls, pots, longlines |
| Catch limits | Daily bag limits per species | Quota-based or permit-based |
| Reporting | Minimal in most states | Mandatory trip reports, logbooks |
| Vessel requirements | None for personal boats | Coast Guard documentation, vessel permits |
| Federal permits | Not required | Often required for federal waters |
State Commercial Fishing License Costs
Saltwater Commercial Licenses
| State | License Type | Cost (Resident) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Saltwater Products License (SPL) | $50.00 | Base license; species endorsements extra |
| Texas | General Commercial License | $22.00 | Individual; boat license separate |
| Louisiana | Commercial Fisherman License | $55.00 | Resident; NR = $500 |
| North Carolina | Standard Commercial License (SCFL) | $200.00 | Covers most commercial fishing |
| Alaska | Commercial Fishing CFEC Permit | $75+ | Entry permit required (limited entry) |
| Massachusetts | Commercial Permit | $65.00 | Plus individual species permits |
| Maine | Commercial Fishing License | $38.00 | Lobster license separate ($180–$508) |
| Maryland | Tidal Fish License | $50 – $300 | Type-dependent |
| Virginia | Commercial License | $25 – $190 | Varies by gear type |
| South Carolina | Saltwater Commercial | $25.00 | Additional permits by species |
| Oregon | Commercial Fishing License | $165 – $330 | By vessel, plus species permits |
| Washington | Commercial License | $200+ | Separate vessel and gear licenses |
| California | Commercial Fishing License | $161.50 | Plus vessel registration |
Freshwater Commercial Licenses
| State | License Type | Cost (Resident) | Target Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | Commercial Freshwater | $5.00 | Catfish, paddlefish |
| Tennessee | Commercial Fishing License | $25.00 | River commercial fishing |
| Kentucky | Commercial License | $25.00 | Ohio/Mississippi River commercial |
| Arkansas | Commercial Fishing License | $50.00 | Catfish, gar, buffalo |
| Oklahoma | Commercial Fishing License | $50.00 | Non-game fish only |
| Missouri | Commercial Fishing Permit | $50.00 | Non-game fish species |
How to Get a Commercial Fishing License
Step 1: Determine Your Requirements
Before applying, understand what you need:
- State commercial fishing license — Required in all states
- Vessel/boat permit — Required if operating a commercial vessel
- Species-specific endorsements — Many states require extra permits for lobster, crab, shrimp, etc.
- Federal permits — Required for fishing in federal waters (3–200 miles offshore)
- Seafood dealer license — If you plan to sell directly to consumers or restaurants
Step 2: Meet Prerequisites
Most states require:
- Minimum age: 16–18 depending on state
- Residency: Most states have lower fees for residents; some restrict commercial licenses to residents
- Training/certification: Some states require safety courses (Coast Guard approved)
- Vessel documentation: Commercial vessels typically need USCG documentation
Step 3: Apply
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Many states offer online commercial license applications |
| In person | State fish & wildlife office — recommended for first-time applicants |
| By mail | Paper applications accepted but slow (2–4 weeks) |
Step 4: Additional Permits
After your base commercial license, you may need:
- Species permits — Lobster, crab, shrimp, tuna, swordfish, etc.
- Gear permits — Trawl, gill net, purse seine, pot/trap
- Area permits — Specific waterway or zone access
- Federal permits — NOAA fisheries permits for federal waters
Federal Commercial Fishing Permits
For fishing in federal waters (beyond 3 nautical miles from shore), you need permits from NOAA Fisheries:
| Permit Type | Region | Key Species |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Multispecies | Atlantic | Cod, haddock, flounder |
| South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper | Atlantic | Red snapper, grouper, amberjack |
| Gulf Reef Fish | Gulf of Mexico | Red snapper, grouper, triggerfish |
| Highly Migratory Species | All | Tuna, swordfish, sharks |
| Atlantic Herring | Northeast | Herring |
| West Coast Groundfish | Pacific | Rockfish, lingcod, sablefish |
| Alaska Groundfish | North Pacific | Pollock, cod, halibut |
Apply for federal permits at NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office or the relevant regional office.
Limited Entry & Quota Systems
Many commercial fisheries use limited entry — you can’t just buy a license; you need an existing permit:
| System | How It Works | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Limited entry permits | Fixed number of permits; must buy from retiring fisherman | Alaska salmon, California crab |
| Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) | Allocated share of total allowable catch | Alaska halibut, Gulf of Mexico red snapper |
| Catch shares | Similar to IFQ — lease or owns a share | New England groundfish |
| Open access | Anyone can get a permit | Some species in some states |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a commercial fishing license cost? Base licenses range from $22 (Texas) to $330+ (Oregon). Plus vessel permits, species endorsements, and federal permits can add $500–$5,000+ to your total.
Can I sell fish I catch with a recreational fishing license? No. Selling fish caught under a recreational license is illegal in all 50 states. You must have a commercial license.
Do I need a commercial license to sell fish I catch? Yes — plus most states require a separate seafood dealer’s license or fish dealer permit to sell fish to the public.
What is the difference between a commercial and charter fishing license? A charter/guide license lets you take paying customers fishing (they catch the fish). A commercial license lets you catch and sell the fish yourself. Different permits, different regulations.
Can I get a commercial fishing license with no experience? In open-access fisheries, yes. But limited-entry fisheries require purchasing an existing permit, which can cost $10,000–$500,000+ depending on the fishery.
Do I need a college degree or certification? No degree required, but some states require a USCG-approved safety course and first aid/CPR certification for commercial vessel operators.
For recreational fishing licenses, see our How to Get a Fishing License guide or compare costs on our Fishing License Cost Guide.