It seems more states are requiring one adult to have a fishing license if their kids are fishing. I ran into this in Colorado, the kids wanted to fish in a pond, and they told me I had to buy a license for me so my kids could fish. I just assume Colorado is out to keep kids from fishing....
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NYS they don't need a license if under 16. But you can not touch the fishing pole, bait the hook, reel in the fish, or remove the fish from the hook, And you can not touch the fish after they catch it. The kids have to do it all. If you get caught doing any of that stuff, you will likely be ticketed and have to appear in court.
wny_pat wrote: NYS they don't need a license if under 16. But you can not touch the fishing pole, bait the hook, reel in the fish, or remove the fish from the hook, And you can not touch the fish after they catch it. The kids have to do it all. If you get caught doing any of that stuff, you will likely be ticketed and have to appear in court.
The salt water fishing laws in Virginia are the same. Kids under 16 don't need a license but you better not be doing anything other than watching from a safe distance.
I think the OP is concerned about himself and not the kids. If you are caught holding the pole, taking fish off the hook or baiting the hook you are considered fishing. I can see why he doesnt want to buy a fishing lic in 7 diff states as that can get pricy. Some states alow you to buy short term lic. for not too much. I think it AR that I got a 3 day lic for $11 last year
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Depending in the state you'll be fishing, the minimum age required for a junior fishing license is 15 years old. At least in California. Colorado and Wisconsin require one if the kid is 16 years.
For those interested in West Virginia's law, this is from Chapter 20 in the definitions section:
"Fishing" or "to fish" means the taking, by any means, of fish, minnows, frogs or other amphibians, aquatic turtles and other forms of aquatic life used as fish bait.
"Take" means to hunt, shoot, pursue, lure, kill, destroy, catch, capture, keep in captivity, gig, spear, trap, ensnare, wound or injure any wildlife, or attempt to do so: Provided, That the definition of "take" does not include an officially sanctioned and properly licensed field trial, water race or wild hunt as long as that field trial is not a shoot-to-retrieve field trial.
So, the key is "attempt to do so." That is what the officer issuing the citation would have to prove.
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