Tennessee’s annual free fishing day is coming up this weekend. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will allow fishing without a license in public waters on Saturday (June 8, 2013). The annual event is part of an effort aimed primarily at youngsters to increase interest in fishing in the state.
Children ages 13 through 15 will be able to fish without a license through June 14th, but adults will also be allowed to do so on Saturday (June 8, 2013).
A basic one-day fishing license for Tennessee residents costs $5.50, while an annual hunting and fishing license costs $28. No permit is required for children younger than 13.
Who Must Normally Have a Tennessee Fishing License?
If you take fish or attempt to take fish (including crayfish) by any method or if you assist someone else to do so, you must have a valid fishing license. There are some exceptions:
No Fishing License Needed If:
- You are under 13 years of age (resident or nonresident).
- Landowners, their spouses and children, who fish on their farmland which is owned by an individual or a family. Landowners, their spouses and children must be residents of Tennessee but need not reside on the land.
- Tenants, their spouses and dependent children who fish on farmland owned by an individual or a family. Tenants, their spouses and dependent children must be residents of Tennessee and must actually reside on the land and have permission of the landowner to fish. A tenant is a person who, for money or free rent, or other consideration, cares for farmland. The tenancy must be agricultural in nature.
- Resident grandchildren (under 16) and resident great-grandchildren (under 16) who fish on farmland which is owned by their resident grandparents or great-grandparents.
- First cousins who own farmland jointly or in common may fish on the farmland. Their children may fish as well.
- You are on military leave, carrying a copy of your leave orders. A pass does not meet this requirement.
- You are a resident who was born before March 1, 1926. (To qualify for this exemption, you must carry proof of your age and residency to show to a wildlife officer, if requested.)
- It's Free Fishing Day!
- It's Free Fishing Week! Children all ages 15 and younger can fish free during free fishing week
Source:
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
