FishKillFlea· Guides · 5 min read
Saltwater vs Freshwater Fishing License (2026) — Which Do You Need?
Complete guide to saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses. Learn which states require separate licenses, which include both, and which offer FREE saltwater fishing.
Do you need a separate saltwater fishing license or does your regular freshwater license cover ocean fishing too? The answer depends entirely on which state you’re fishing in. This guide breaks down every state’s saltwater and freshwater licensing requirements so you know exactly what you need before you cast your line.
What’s the Difference?
A freshwater fishing license covers fishing in inland waters — lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and reservoirs. A saltwater fishing license (sometimes called a coastal or marine fishing license) covers ocean fishing, bays, estuaries, tidal rivers, and brackish water.
Some states combine both into a single license, while others require you to purchase them separately.
States That Require a Separate Saltwater License
These states require anglers to purchase a separate saltwater endorsement, stamp, or license in addition to their freshwater license:
| State | Saltwater License Name | Cost (Resident) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Saltwater Fishing License | $17.00 | Shore fishing from land = free for FL residents |
| Texas | Saltwater Endorsement | $15.00 | Added to base fishing license |
| North Carolina | Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) | $16.00 | Required for all coastal waters |
| South Carolina | Saltwater License | $11.00 | Separate from freshwater |
| Virginia | Saltwater License | $18.50 | Tidal waters including Chesapeake Bay |
| Alabama | Saltwater License | $12.90 | Gulf coast waters |
| Georgia | Saltwater License | $9.00 | Coastal waters only |
| New York | Marine Fishing Registry | FREE | Registration required but no cost |
| New Jersey | Saltwater Registry | FREE | Registration required, no fee |
| Connecticut | Marine Fishing License | $10.00 | Long Island Sound + coastal |
| Louisiana | Saltwater License | Included in basic | Basic license covers both |
| Hawaii | Non-resident Marine License | $65.00 | Residents exempt from freshwater needs |
| Rhode Island | Recreational Saltwater License | FREE | Registration at DEM |
States Where One License Covers Both
Many states include both freshwater and saltwater fishing in a single license — no extra purchase needed:
| State | License Type | Cost (Resident) | Waters Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Sport Fishing License | $56.01 | All freshwater + ocean |
| Oregon | Annual Angling License | $44.00 | Rivers, lakes, and ocean |
| Washington | Freshwater / Combination | $30.05 / $55.35 | Annual covers all waters |
| Alaska | Sport Fishing License | $29.00 | All waters — fresh + salt |
| Maine | Fishing License | $25.00 | Saltwater is free; freshwater license covers lakes/rivers |
| Massachusetts | Saltwater = FREE | $27.50 FW | Saltwater fishing is free; freshwater requires license |
States With FREE Saltwater Fishing
Good news — several states offer completely free saltwater fishing without any license or registration:
| State | Details |
|---|---|
| Delaware | Saltwater fishing is free for all — no registration needed. Surf fishing at Delaware Seashore State Park included |
| New Hampshire | Ocean fishing requires NO license. Freshwater only requires a license |
| Mississippi | Saltwater fishing is FREE for residents. Non-residents need a saltwater license |
| Massachusetts | No saltwater license required for anyone fishing in Massachusetts ocean waters |
| Maine | Saltwater fishing is free — no license or registration needed |
| New York | Free online registration (no cost) |
| New Jersey | Free online registration (no cost) |
Understanding the NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL)
North Carolina’s Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is one of the most searched fishing licenses. Key facts:
- Required for all recreational fishing in joint or coastal waters
- Resident annual: $16.00
- Non-resident annual: $32.00
- 10-day CRFL: $5.50 (resident) / $16.00 (non-resident)
- Covers: Atlantic Ocean, sounds, tidal rivers, and estuaries
- Does NOT replace your inland freshwater license — you need both if you fish freshwater AND saltwater
Learn more on our North Carolina fishing license page.
Shore Fishing vs. Boat Fishing — License Differences
| Fishing Method | License Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shore / pier / surf fishing | Varies by state | Florida residents can shore fish saltwater for FREE. Most states still require a license |
| Private boat | Yes — captain + all anglers | Every angler on a private boat needs their own license |
| Charter boat / party boat | Usually covered | Many states include licensing in the charter’s permit. Check before booking |
| Kayak / canoe | Yes | Treated same as any boat — license required per angler |
Common Saltwater Endorsements & Stamps
Beyond the basic saltwater license, some states require additional endorsements for certain species:
| Endorsement | States | Typical Cost | Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snook Permit | Florida | $10.00 | Snook only |
| Lobster Permit | Florida, Maine | $5.00 – $55.00 | Spiny lobster / American lobster |
| Salmon/Steelhead Tag | Oregon, Washington, Alaska | $10.25 – $30.00 | Salmon, steelhead |
| Crab Pot License | Maryland, Virginia | $5.00 – $15.00 | Blue crab |
| Shellfish License | Rhode Island, Connecticut | $7.00 – $15.00 | Clams, oysters, mussels |
How to Choose the Right License
Not sure which license you need? Follow this quick decision tree:
- Fishing in the ocean, bays, or tidal rivers? → Check if your state requires a separate saltwater license (see table above)
- Fishing in lakes, rivers, or freshwater ponds? → You need a standard freshwater license
- Fishing both? → In single-license states, one license covers everything. In dual-license states, buy both
- Shore fishing only? → Check your state — some offer free shore fishing for residents (Florida)
- On a charter boat? → The captain’s license usually covers passengers, but verify with the charter company
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a saltwater fishing license for catch and release? In most states, yes. If you’re holding a rod in saltwater, you need the license even if you release everything. Exceptions: free fishing days and specially exempt locations.
Is a saltwater fishing license more expensive than freshwater? Usually the saltwater endorsement is an add-on ($5–$20) to your base freshwater license. In states with a single license, there’s no difference.
Can I use my freshwater license for saltwater fishing? Only in states where one license covers both (California, Oregon, Alaska, etc.). In dual-license states, you need both.
Do I need a fishing license for pier fishing? Almost always, yes. Some states with public fishing piers wave the license requirement on those specific piers, but this is rare. Check your state’s rules.
What about fishing in brackish water (mix of salt and fresh)? Brackish water is usually classified as saltwater for licensing purposes. When in doubt, buy the saltwater license.
Compare complete pricing for your state on our Fishing License Cost Guide, or learn how to get your license online in minutes.