Our camping plans, this summer, have us camping in 6 states - none of which are our own state of residence. My daughters (6 and 7) want to do some fishing, but I don't want to have to buy licenses in all of these states. I haven't checked all states we'll be visiting, but I know most states don't require a license of children that age. This said, is it generally allowable that I take them fishing, as long as we only take their gear and I don't fish?
That is the way I understand it.
However, it's really simple to call (or check website) the managing agency (Dept of Fish and Wildlife) for those states you plan to visit to find out.
Wouldn't set a very good example for you kids to see you get a ticket
That could get really tricky. If some over zealous warden saw you holding a rod/pole, even if just preparing it for your child, he/she may give you a citation if you do not plan on getting a license for yourself.
Best call each state game commission and ask first.
In Michigan, kids don't need one to fish. If only the kids are holding their poles, you *might* be able to argue that you're not fishing, only the kids. However, if they witness you casting and baiting for them, they may not buy it, and it'll be up to you to prove otherwise in court. Personally, I would buy a one or two-day license and not worry about the few bucks.
Mickeyfan0805 wrote: This said, is it generally allowable that I take them fishing, as long as we only take their gear and I don't fish?
Yes. But are you really not planning to fish? I love to fish with my kids so I buy a one-day license.
Check out this from the WI DNR...
Children do not need to be accompanied by a licensed adult to fish. However, if your child wants to take a break from fishing, make sure he or she reels in rather than abandons the pole to you. If your help is needed to cast or reel in, make sure you have your license with you, because you are now fishing. Also, on occasion, well-meaning adults get pinched -- warden lingo for caught -- for fishing without a license or with too many hooks when they get caught "holding" their youngster's fishing pole. According to state law, no angler may fish with more than three hooks, baits or lures.
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As stated, it really depends on the local Game Warden. You get an overly zealous one and he could write you a ticket and that's that. While most probably would understand and tell you to have a good time, there are a few that go out of their way to be jerks. I know in our neck of the woods we have one of those overly zealous types. Around here, snowmobile only season ends on April 1st, well a bunch of guys went up with their RV's and ATV's for opening day. They arrived at the park the evening of the 31st. They were then ticketed for not having Snow Park permits, even though they would no longer be necessary on the 1st. Were they "technically" breaking the law, yes... But come on.
One thing that was funny, was that one guys older class A broke down, so he was towed in the last couple of miles. His RV was not ticketed, because apparently since it was towed in, it became a "trailer" and was not subject to being ticketed... But the tow vehicle was.
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Most states don't require a license below 16 or maybe 14 in some cases. However, in places like Yellowstone NP, be careful about "helping" them or holding the rod. They can be sticklers and might consider you to be fishing.
BB_TX wrote: That could get really tricky. If some over zealous warden saw you holding a rod/pole, even if just preparing it for your child, he/she may give you a citation if you do not plan on getting a license for yourself.
Best call each state game commission and ask first.
I have seen this happen. A man was taking his 2 kids fishing in a jon boat on a public lake. Before they left shore, the same warden asked to see his license. He said he was not fishing just the kids. Game warden sat on the hill with digital binoculars. Got pics of him casting his daughters line. Wrote him a ticket when they docked.
In MD I believe the kids under 16 don't need a license.
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