Do kids need a fishing license?

[jkfletcher]

My search-fu seems to be weak on INGO, IN DNR, and Google.

Do kids need a fishing license in Indiana? Taking the kids camping in Brown County next month and they want to fish while we're there. They are 7 and 4 years old if that matters. Thanks

 

[AGarbers]

No license needed at that age. I think seventeen is the cutoff, which we should get changed. Just when kids could be getting into things they shouldn't we make a great activity cost money. I think it should be at least 18 and if they are an active student make it 22.
FYI dad. If you don't have a license, get one. If one of your kids has an issue getting a fish in or casting and you touch the pole, you're fishing.

 

[kludge]

DNR: Fishing Guide & Regulations

 

[jkfletcher]

Thanks, appreciate it

 

[dswanso1]

kids fishing license

I don't think they need a license until they are 15 or 16 years old.

Do kids need a fishing license in Indiana? Taking the kids camping in Brown County next month and they want to fish while we're there. They are 7 and 4 years old if that matters. Thanks[/QUOTE]

 

[canamscott]

Youth do not need a license until they are 18. There are also free fishing days so the whole family can participate. The first is this Saturday, April 20. Then May 18 and June 1 and 2. If taking the kids fishing on days other than these, be sure to get a license.

 

[Zoub]

The simple rule is a kids catch goes against your limit and you should have a license. I would suggest you follow that rule of thumb in any state, resident or not. Cheap insurance against a HUGE hassle.

An INGO member got tagged about 2 years ago for just touching the rod of another adult who was fishing. He did not have a license at the time. Never heard if he finally paid the fine or fought it.

 

[AGarbers]

License Exemptions
A fishing license and trout and salmon stamp are NOT required for:

• Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943. However, such residents should carry their driver’s license or other identification to verify age and residency.
• Resident and non-resident anglers under age 18.
• Residents who are legally blind.
• Residents of a state-owned mental rehabilitation facility.
• Residents of any licensed health care facility in Indiana taking part in a supervised fishing activity sponsored by the facility.
• Fishing in a private pond. However, an angler must have permission from the property owner to fish.
• Residents of Indiana who are engaged in full-time military service may fish without a license while on approved military leave. However, the angler must carry leave orders and a valid Indiana driver’s license or voter registration card.
• Landowners or lessees of farmland, who farm that land, their spouses and children living with them, while fishing in public waters from the farmland they own or lease.
• Some non-resident landowners, while fishing in public waters from the farmland they own, according to the exemptions that their state provides to Indiana residents. See Fishing.IN.gov or call (317) 233-4976 for specific information.

(NOTE: Non-resident military personnel on active duty and stationed in Indiana may purchase an Indiana resident license.)