The minimum age to require a fishing license varies by location:
- In the UK, children under 13 do not need a fishing license. Those aged 13 to 16 need a free junior license
- In California, non-residents 16 years or older must have a sport fishing license
- In Bavaria, Germany, a youth fishing license can be issued from age 10 with parental consent, valid until age 18
- In Minnesota, residents aged 16 to 89 need a fishing license; children 15 and under do not if accompanied by a licensed adult
- In Pennsylvania, a fishing license is required for persons age 16 and over
- In Massachusetts, a license is required for those 15 and older, but it is free for residents aged 15-17
- In New Jersey, anyone 16 and older must have a license; children under 16 may fish without a license until the end of the year they turn 16
- In Wisconsin, children under 16 do not need a license; those 16 and older do
- In Michigan, a license is required for those 17 and older; under 17 may fish without a license
- In New York, a license is required for those 16 and older
- In Florida, non-residents 16 and older need a license; children under 16 do not
In summary, the most common minimum age to require a fishing license is 16 years old, though some places have lower or higher age thresholds or free junior licenses for younger anglers. Children under 13 or 15 often do not require a license, depending on the jurisdiction.
