CT Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Fines & Creel Limits (2026)

Fishing license CT penalties: $50–$500. CT DEEP TIP Line (800) 842-4357. Striper 1 fish/28″, bluefish 3, fluke 4/19″.

Fishing without a valid fishing license CT carries fines enforced by CT DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No inland license$50 – $500Per offense — increases with repeats
No marine license registration$50 – $250Marine waters require registration
Fishing in TMA without trout stamp$50 – $200Stamp required in Trout Management Areas
Over daily creel limit$100 – $500 per fishSerious offense — see limits below
Size limit violation$100 – $500Check CT DEEP species-specific regulations

Key Creel Limits — Saltwater (Long Island Sound)

SpeciesDaily LimitMin SizeSeason
Striped bass128″ (slot limit applies)Apr 1 – Dec 31
Bluefish3Year-round
Summer flounder (fluke)419″May – Sep
Tautog (blackfish)2-4 (varies)16″Season varies

Report Violations

Call CT DEEP TIP Line: (800) 842-4357 for anonymous reporting. You can also use the CT DEEP reporting page.

The inland fishing license CT is just $28 — not worth the fine. Get yours today. Seniors 65+ are FREE!

Get your fishing license CT →