It is the time of year anglers must make an investment in their future fishing. Current 2014-15 fishing licenses expire this weekend. If you plan to fish on or after Sunday, you'll need a new fishing license.
A Kentucky resident annual fishing license sets you back $20. This isn't as cheap as it was 20 years ago, but it is still a great bargain for all you receive in return.
"We do not receive General Fund state tax dollars for our funding," said Jeff Ross, assistant director of fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "Our funding is reliant on license sales and the federal monies that go along with them. The anglers of Kentucky fund the fisheries division."
For each fishing license sold, the federal government sends monies back to Kentucky from excise taxes on fishing tackle, trolling motors, electronic sonar units for boats, commonly called fish finders, and boat motor fuels.
Not everyone has to purchase a fishing license. Kentucky residents fishing a pond or lake on land they own don't need a fishing license, but their guests, and even blood relatives, must have a valid fishing license. Dependent children and tenants who live and work on the land also are license exempt if they are fishing a pond on the land on which they live.
Anglers under the age of 16, military personnel on furlough for more than three days and those participating in Free Fishing Days in June don't need a fishing license.
Kentucky residents certified as disabled or those 65 or older get their fishing license and trout permit with the $5 senior/disabled license.
A great deal is the resident combination hunting and fishing license for $30, a savings of $10 if bought separately. A resident one-day fishing license costs $7, while the same license for non-residents is $10.
Remember to buy your fishing license if you plan to fish after this coming Sunday. You may purchase your fishing license in person at tackle stores, in the sporting goods section of major department stores and at county clerk offices across Kentucky. You may also buy a fishing license 24 hours a day by calling (877) 598-2401 or online at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov.
