There is a misconception that fishermen are just wealthy, lazy people who enjoy spending their time on the water. While the stereotype may be true in some circles, fishing is actually a very expensive hobby. It requires equipment, fuel, boat maintenance, and much more. It’s no wonder many fishermen are wealthy – they’re hard-working people who enjoy spending their time on the water.
So how much does a fishing license cost? It depends on several factors, including where you live, whether you’re a hunter or fisher, and the type of fish you catch. Here’s a breakdown of how much a fishing license costs in four different regions of the country.
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The Northeast
Fishing in the Northeast is pretty pricey compared to other regions of the country due to the cost of living there and the size of the area. It’s no secret that the cost of living in New York City is extremely high, especially now that beer is over $4 a pint. The going price for a lobster roll is around $18, and a family of four could spend over $60 on seafood alone.
Fish and seafood are popular in the area and, accordingly, the prices are high because of the limited supply. The area is also well known for its striped bass, so if you target that particular species you’ll pay more for your license than someone who just goes after salmon or trout. The tackle price for bass, as well, is much higher than the cost of fishing for trout or salmon. There’s also always the threat of larger fish coming after your catch, especially when targeting large species like monster lake trout or giant striper. These fish can weigh over 100 pounds and, for that reason, require a professional license.
The Southeast
The cost of fishing in the Southeast is directly related to the amount of fishing you want to do. The more you want to do, the more expensive it will be. There’s also a misconception that fishing in the Southeast is free because the fish are typically small and the areas are not very large. However, the going rate for a fishing license in this region is around $30. It’s a good idea to contact a local tackle shop to get a price quote for the specific fish you’re targeting. Sometimes, the shop owner will even throw in the favor of getting your license for free if you purchase a tackle box or other equipment from them.
The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are home to some of the most expensive fish in the country. The going rate for a fishing license in this region is around $45, which is pretty high compared to other regions of the country. This is because the fish are typically large and can weigh over 20 pounds. In addition, there is a lot of public land surrounding the lakes, so you’re bound to catch some fish regardless of what license you have, or don’t have. You’re also not restricted to fishing in state-owned waters, which reduces the amount of licenses you need.
The Rocky Mountains
Fishing in the Rocky Mountains is also expensive, but it’s mostly because of the equipment needed to pursue the game. You’ll see a lot of people fishing with kayaks these days, which is not only fashionable but also allows them to concentrate more on the fishing and less on the frigid water. The going rate for a fishing license in the Rocky Mountains is around $60, and it’s quite a bit higher than the cost of a kayak or other fishing equipment. The higher cost is directly related to the length of the license. The longer the license, the more expensive it becomes. The only way to avoid some of this expense is to get a friend with a boat to join you on your fishing trip.
How Do You Get The Best Price?
One of the best things you can do for yourself this season is to get yourself a fishing license. It will not only allow you to catch fish but will also protect you and your family from becoming food for the fish if you do get caught. You’ll also want to consider what type of fish you are targeting and whether you want to fish for them commercially or recreationally. The more information you have, the better off you’ll be when it comes to getting the best price possible for your fishing license.