2003 fishing licenses on sale
The calendar may say otherwise, but you don’t have to wait until January to start 2003. That’s because 2003 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses become available in December.
Get a head start on next year for yourself – or do a little holiday shopping for others with a gift license – by heading out to any of the 1,500 authorized issuing agents across the state. Pennsylvania fishing licenses are also available for purchase on-line in the “Outdoor Shop”
at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) web site. A list of issuing agents
can also be found on the PFBC site.
Not only are the 2003 licenses available in December, they’re also valid immediately at the time of purchase. In essence, buying a Pennsylvania fishing license in December is like getting an extra month at no additional fee. Speaking of price, Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses are as economical as ever. A Pennsylvania resident fishing license is only $17 ($16.25 plus $0.75 issuing agent fee) – the eighth year at the same reasonable rate. A Pennsylvania Trout/Salmon Stamp
is an additional $5.50 ($5 plus $0.50 issuing agent fee) – the same today as it was back in 1991! How many other things still cost the same today as they did 12 years ago?
Of course the real value of a fishing license is the full year’s worth of fun with friends and family on some of the best fishing waters around. Best of all, there’s water everywhere in Pennsylvania. With more than 83,000 miles of rivers and streams and some 4,000 lakes and ponds across the state (not to mention 470,000 acres of Lake Erie) there are great fishing opportunities
close by for everyone.
Don’t worry if you haven’t fished for a few years and don’t remember every rule. A free Summary of Pennsylvania Fishing Regulations and Laws is issued with each license purchase. A few things to know up front: a valid Pennsylvania license is required for anglers 16 years of age and older. As always, children fish for free in Pennsylvania. Licenses must be signed in ink and clearly displayed on an outer garment while in the act of fishing. In addition, anglers must be prepared to furnish positive proof of identification when requested by a Waterways Conservation Officer.
More than just a permit to fish, a fishing license is a direct investment in Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources. Unlike most state agencies, the Fish and Boat Commission receives no General Fund tax dollars to operate its programs. Instead, the PFBC relies on revenues from the sale of fishing licenses and boat registrations to provide fisheries management, stocking, habitat improvement and law enforcement for the anglers and boaters of the Commonwealth.