AL Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

AL fishing penalties: $50-$250 + massive $150+ court processing fees! Report poachers to 1-800-272-4263. Black Bass limit is 10.

Fishing without a valid AL fishing license is aggressively enforced by DCNR Game Wardens, both inland and offshore.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$50 – $250Plus mandatory county court costs ($150+)
No Reef Endorsement$100 – $500Heavy fines offshore for missing the $10 permit
Over bag limit$200+Often cited per illegally harvested fish

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Black Bass10Combined Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted
Crappie309" minimum length
Red SnapperVaries strictlyUsually 2 per person during a very short summer season
Red Drum3Slot: 16" to 26" (1 allowed over 26") (Saltwater)
Flounder514" minimum (Saltwater)

Call the GameWatch poaching hotline: 1-800-272-4263.

An AL freshwater license is $16.15. Get yours.