Fishing is a lot of fun but there are some rules. One of the biggest rules is that you have to have a fishing license. In order to get one you can do one of three options. You can go online to a website like “Go Outdoors Va” to purchase one, buy one in person by visiting a circuit court or a license agent, or you can call them at (804) 367-1000 during their regular business hours.

After getting a license, you must always have some form of it on you while fishing. Whether it’s an electronic, paper, or hard copy. You need it on you so if something were to come up and an officer needs to see the verification, you don’t get in trouble for illegally fishing at the spot. When getting the license you must be a resident of that city or county six months prior to purchasing the license.

Everyone fishing has to buy one unless you are a spouse, child or grandchild of the land owner, land owners partner, if you’re under 16, or active duty in the military. Those are just a few, if you want to see more of the exceptions visit Virginia DWR for more information. One more thing to know is that the price of the license can vary between $16 to $40 depending on how long the license is going to last before you have to renew it.