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

MS fishing penalties: $100-$250 + massive $150+ court processing fees! Report poachers to 1-800-BE-SMART. Crappie limits vary strictly by lake.

Fishing without a valid MS fishing license is heavily enforced by MDWFP Conservation Officers.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$100 – $250Plus mandatory court costs ($150+)
Fishing closed marine waters$100 – $500Strictly enforced down south of Hwy 90
Over bag limit$200+Often cited per illegally harvested fish

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Black Bass10Combined Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted
Crappie15 to 30Varies wildly by lake! Check local regulations.
Red Drum (Redfish)3Slot: 18" to 30" (Saltwater)
Spotted Seatrout1515" minimum (Saltwater)
White Bass15No length limit

Call the Turn In A Poacher (TIP) hotline: 1-800-BE-SMART.

An MS freshwater license is $10. Get yours.