FishKillFlea· Guides · 4 min read
Surf, Shore & Pier Fishing License Guide (2026) — Do You Need One?
Do you need a fishing license for surf fishing, shore fishing, or pier fishing? State-by-state rules for beach fishing, ocean piers, and coastal angling.
Do you need a fishing license for surf fishing? In most states, yes — but the rules for shore, surf, and pier fishing are more nuanced than you’d expect. Some states let residents fish from shore for free, others waive the license on public piers, and a few offer completely free saltwater fishing. This guide breaks it all down.
Surf Fishing License Requirements by State
States Where Shore/Surf Fishing Is FREE
These states let you fish from the shore, beach, or surf without any license:
| State | Who’s Free | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | FL residents only | Shore fishing from land = FREE for all FL residents. Non-residents still need a saltwater license |
| Delaware | Everyone | All saltwater fishing is free — no license needed for surf, pier, or boat |
| New Hampshire | Everyone | Saltwater fishing requires NO license for anyone |
| Maine | Everyone | Saltwater fishing is free — no license or registration |
| Massachusetts | Everyone | No saltwater license required |
| Mississippi | MS residents | Saltwater fishing is free for residents |
| New York | Everyone | Free online registration (no cost) |
| New Jersey | Everyone | Free online registration (no cost) |
States Where a Saltwater License Is Required for Surf Fishing
In these states, surf fishing requires a valid saltwater or marine fishing license:
| State | License Required | Cost (Resident) | Cost (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | CRFL (Coastal Recreational) | $16.00 | $32.00 |
| South Carolina | Saltwater License | $11.00 | $35.00 |
| Virginia | Saltwater License | $18.50 | $30.50 |
| Texas | Saltwater Endorsement | $15.00 (+ base) | $68.00 (Super Combo NR) |
| California | Sport Fishing License | $56.01 | $56.01 |
| Oregon | Angling License | $44.00 | $98.00 |
| Washington | Fishing License | $30.05 | $55.35 |
| Alabama | Saltwater License | $12.90 | $51.50 |
| Georgia | Saltwater License | $9.00 | $48.00 |
| Connecticut | Marine Waters License | $10.00 | $22.00 |
| Hawaii | None for saltwater | FREE | $65 NR marine |
Pier Fishing Rules by State
Pier fishing rules are among the most confusing in fishing licensing. Some piers have their own license that covers all anglers; others require individual licenses.
States Where Public Piers Cover Your License
| State | Pier Rule | Details |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Licensed piers | Anglers on a licensed pier do NOT need an individual license |
| North Carolina | Licensed ocean piers | Most public ocean piers have a pier fishing license that covers visitors |
| Georgia | Some piers | Check individual pier policies |
| Florida | Shore = free (residents) | Residents don’t need a license from any fixed structure on shore |
States Where You Need Your Own License on Piers
| State | Pier Rule |
|---|---|
| California | No pier license exemption — you need your own sport fishing license on all piers, except designated free public piers |
| California | Exception: Designated “ocean fishing piers” are license-free |
| Texas | Individual license + saltwater endorsement required on all piers |
| Virginia | Individual license required on most piers |
| Oregon | Individual license required |
California’s free fishing piers are a notable exception — the state designates specific public ocean fishing piers where no license is needed. These include piers in Santa Monica, Huntington Beach, San Francisco, and many others.
Beach Fishing Tips for License Compliance
What Counts as “Shore Fishing”?
| Location | Considered Shore? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy beach | Yes | Standard surf fishing |
| Rocky jetty | Yes | Attached to shore |
| Public fishing pier | Usually yes | Check pier-specific rules |
| Seawall / bulkhead | Yes | Part of the shoreline |
| Bridge | Varies | Some states treat bridges as piers, others as shore |
| Kayak launched from shore | No — boat rules apply | Need full license once on water |
| Wading | Usually yes | Still considered shore fishing if you walk in from land |
Surf Fishing Gear That Might Need Extra Permits
| Gear | Extra Permit? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rod and reel | Base license only | Standard surf setup |
| Cast net | Some states require extra | FL, TX — usually covered by saltwater license |
| Sand flea rake | No extra | Collecting bait |
| Crab traps on the beach | Usually extra | Shellfish/crabbing permit needed |
| Spearfishing from shore | Varies | Some states require separate endorsement |
Popular Surf Fishing Destinations — License Quick Reference
| Destination | License Needed? | Cost | Target Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Banks, NC | NC CRFL — $16 res | $16/$32 | Red drum, bluefish, flounder |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | SC saltwater — licensed piers free | $11/$35 | Flounder, red drum, whiting |
| Daytona Beach, FL | FREE for FL residents | $0/$17 NR | Pompano, whiting, redfish |
| Cape Cod, MA | FREE — no saltwater license | $0 | Striped bass, bluefish |
| Delaware Seashore SP | FREE — all saltwater free | $0 | Striped bass, flounder, drumfish |
| Gulf Shores, AL | AL saltwater — $12.90 | $12.90/$51.50 | Pompano, redfish, Spanish mackerel |
| Galveston, TX | TX saltwater endorsement | $15 + base | Redfish, speckled trout, flounder |
| Huntington Beach, CA | Free from designated piers | $0 on pier / $56.01 surf | Perch, corbina, halibut |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a fishing license for surf fishing? In most states, yes — a saltwater fishing license is required for surf/shore fishing. Key exceptions: Florida residents (free from shore), Delaware (all saltwater free), Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire (all free saltwater).
Do I need a fishing license for pier fishing? It depends on the state and the specific pier. In NC and SC, licensed public piers often cover anglers. In TX and CA, you generally need your own license. California has designated free public fishing piers.
Is shore fishing the same as saltwater fishing for licensing purposes? Yes — shore fishing in salt water requires a saltwater fishing license (or the applicable exemption for your state).
Do I need a fishing license for beach fishing in Florida? Florida residents do not need a license for shore-based saltwater fishing. Non-residents need a saltwater fishing license ($17/3 days).
Can I surf fish without a license during free fishing days? Yes — free fishing days apply to all types of fishing including surf, shore, and pier fishing.
Find your state’s saltwater vs freshwater requirements, or visit your state page for complete details.