Outdoor Blog

How Much Does A Fishing License Cost?

Published

4 years ago

July 24, 2021

Close up of a fishing by permit only sign attached to a large tree in the winter sun

If you’re someone who’s eager to become an angler and reel in some trophy fish, you may want to slow things down just a touch. Something you might not know is that many states require fishing licenses.

Barring a few exceptions, a fishing license is an important part of becoming an expert fisherman. In this article, we’ll go over the cost of these licenses and why they’re so important.

When Do I Need A Fishing License?

When learning to fish, there is admittedly a little bit of confusion when it comes to the necessity of licenses. Some people think that you only need a license if you plan on keeping the fish that you catch. Others might question why you don’t need a license for boating but then need a fishing license.

To put things simply: If you are planning on catching fish in any capacity on state or publicly owned lands, a fishing license is required. There are sometimes exceptions to this, as some states may hold free fishing days during the season.

In many places, it’s illegal to go fishing without a license.

Another exception is if you’re fishing on private property. Another factor as to when you need a fishing license is dependent on your age. Most states require people 16 or 17 years of age to become a license-holder. If you aren’t that old, then you do not need a license.

If you’re visiting another state for fishing, then you’ll need a non-resident license. This is because a general requirement for owning a license is to be a citizen of the state you’re fishing in. The unfortunate part about these types of licenses is that they’re generally a lot more expensive than a normal one. However, paying the license fee is a better alternative to receiving a fine for illegal fishing.

Why Do I Need A Fishing License?

While this question might seem like a no-brainer to some, it is important to explain why fishing licenses are important. It really boils down to the fact that the money made from these licenses helps fund public projects. Additionally, it ensures that the catching of fish is well-regulated while on public and state lands.

“But what kind of public projects does this money go to?” You might ask. This is a good question to ask, it’s good to know where exactly your money is going. Probably the biggest thing your fishing license money goes to is the maintaining of public and state maintenance programs.

Without the proceeds from these fishing licenses, it is likely that your favorite fishing spot would become riddled with trash and pollution. Funding from licenses allows states to conduct clean-up operations to ensure that the habitats of these fish are well taken care of.

Without them, your lake, river, or pond would look terrible! To add to this, without the added funding from the license sales, your favorite spot could potentially run out of fish! That’s right, the money state services receive from licenses goes directly towards something known as fish stockings.

To put it simply, the populations of fish in the state and publicly owned bodies of water are monitored. If it is found that a population of a certain fish is low, more can be added due to the extra funding. Cleanup and fish stocks are not the only habitat projects that are funded with help by license sales.

As a part of habitat maintenance, state services will add things like fish ladders to lakes, rivers, or ponds. The purpose of these projects is ultimately to help other populations of fish grow so that the food chain is never disrupted. This ensures there’s plenty of other baitfish for the bigger ones to eat!

But habitat maintenance isn’t the only thing that benefits from the sales of fishing licenses. These funds also go towards educational programs! This can be anything from fishing workshops, hunter education, and other state-sponsored fishing events.

Some states will hold youth fishing days, for example. Along with other free educational materials, such as books on how to fish, license sales help maintain areas around the water. Docks, piers, and boat launches are all great examples of places that benefit from these sales.

Depending on how much funding state services are allowed along with license sales, they may even be able to build new things! As you can see, purchasing a fishing license really helps to create an excellent experience not just for you, but your community as well. This is why it’s very important that you buy a fishing license if you plan to use public and state lands.

Where Can I Get A Fishing License?

Now that you understand the importance of fishing licenses, it is time to go out and get one for yourself! “But where can I get myself one?” You might ask. Well, thankfully, the answer to this question is simpler than the others in this article.

There are a lot of options for buying fishing licenses. The most convenient option is to just buy the license online on a DNR (Department of Natural Resources) website or your state’s fish and wildlife website. They offer a variety of options and you don’t have to do any driving to go get your license.

Just make sure you’re registered and use a credit card of your choice. It should be mentioned here that the only safe place to buy these licenses online is what we’ve just mentioned above. Sometimes, people will make fake websites with the goal of stealing credit card numbers and other personal information such as social security numbers and your driver’s license.

If you come across a website like this, make sure to report it. Your other options are to go to retailers that sell licenses. Thankfully, the list of retailers that sell licenses is pretty big. Most sports and outdoor stores will sell them either at the cash register or have a dedicated spot for them.

Additionally, there are superstores and even grocery stores that will sell them. The licenses usually have different buying options, such as annual licenses or one-day ones. They even have options for non-residents and discounts for seniors and disabled veterans.

On top of that, for our hunters out there, there are even deals that include combination licenses on top of the fishing ones. These combo licenses come with hunting licenses alongside the fishing ones. They’re perfect for any serious sportsman.

How Much Do They Cost?

Now that you know more about fishing licenses and where to get them, you must be dying to know how much it’ll cost you. The answer really depends on what state you live in. Each state tends to have different stipulations and requirements for how much your license will cost.

A good example is the difference in prices and options between California and Michigan. A license in Michigan will cost significantly less than one in California. Specifically, an annual fishing license will cost you $26 in Michigan while one from California costs $52.66.

If you’re a non-resident, the price for a license is about double what is listed. Something that you can also do is buy a temporary license. Temporary licenses allow you to go fishing over a certain amount of consecutive days. These are handy for short-term fishing while camping in a new area or for people who don’t go fishing during the entire season.

Thankfully, they’re not much more expensive than commercial licenses. As we’ve said there are certain stipulations that allow for discounts or even free licenses! Most of these only apply to recovering active duty military members, Native Americans, and seniors. It’s best to find out what discounts are offered by checking your state’s DNR website or something similar.

Regulations, Permits, and Report Cards

Something that needs to be said alongside fishing licenses is the requirement of report cards and regulations regarding certain species of fish. This is not something that is found within every state, but it is important. Essentially, different states will have different regulations when it comes to different fish.

Going back to Michigan as an example, you are only allowed to catch and keep 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass daily. On top of that, they must be a minimum of 14 inches in length. And this is just a general regulation, there are others that specifically apply certain fish species, such as trout and sturgeon, archery, and spearfishing.

Remember to do your research before you go out catching fish! Now we’ll talk about fishing report cards. These are special cards that you have to pay for that allow you to go fishing for specific species. Not all states use these and instead just have general regulations over different species.

Otherwise, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper report card. It’s essentially a way for wildlife services to keep track of fish since you’re recording what you catch for them. Mind you, these only apply to people who are required to have a fishing license.

So those under the age requirement or during special events like free fishing days do not need a report card. Permits are very similar to report cards. The only real difference is that you do not need to record your catches, like on a report card.

There is a lot of different fish that require some sort of extra documentation. Trout permits in particular are something that always seems to be in high demand.

Does My License Apply To Amphibians and Reptiles?

The answer to this question is that it depends on the state that you live in. That being said, many states allow you to catch all sorts of reptiles and amphibians in one way or another. There are usually restrictions on the use of firearms of any sort when it comes to catching them.

This means you can’t even use bb guns, a bow and arrow, or crossbows. Again, make sure to find all of the regulations on your state’s appropriate website.

Do I Need A License To Fish in the Ocean?

This is another issue that is dependant on the regulations in your state. Generally speaking, a separate saltwater fishing license is required if you plan on doing any fishing in the ocean. Additionally, these licenses also come with their own separate fees and have their own regulations about the type of fish you can catch and keep with them.

fisherman fishing from a boat in an ocean

There are many regulations around fishing in the ocean so it’s best to do your homework before you grab your fishing gear and set sail.

Again, this is another topic that solely depends on how much research you do regarding your state’s fishing regulations. There are sometimes exceptions to the license rule when it comes to saltwater fishing. As an example, Californians do not need to have a saltwater fishing license if they plan on fishing off of a public pier.

Then there are also free fishing days that are sponsored by the state. Finally, children are not usually required to have a license for saltwater fishing but sometimes can voluntarily get their own license.

Extra License Fees

Something you should watch out for when shopping for fishing licenses is extra costs and fees. While each license has a base price in your state, there are sometimes extra fees tied to them. It is never a great deal of money, usually less than $5.

Additionally, these fees will be listed to you once you’re about to purchase your license. These fees are usually some sort of processing or dealer-specific fees. You may also need to watch out while purchasing permits for fish such as trout or sturgeon as your state will require an extra endorsement fee.

Remember, it’s very important to be aware of all of the regulations of the specific species of fish you’re going for.

Illegal Fishing and the Consequences

If you’re going to go fishing on public or state land, it is very important you do so with a license. While this might seem nonsensical, you have to think about the consequences of not getting a license. This is especially serious for multiple offenses.

In most states, fishing without a license will result in some sort of fine. It won’t be anything super expensive, especially if you’re not going after a specific or protected species. However, after multiple offenses is when things start to get bad. Multiple offenses result in increasingly expensive fines along with the possibility of jail time. Eventually, you will be both fined and jailed by law enforcement.

Common Misconceptions About Fishing Licenses

1. Do Fishing Licences Also Include Water Fowl?

No, waterfowl or small game licenses need to be purchased separately from your fishing license or can be bought as part of a combo. A fishing license does NOT permit you to hunt waterfowl.

2. Are There Lifetime Fishing Licenses?

Lifetime licenses do exist in certain states! However, they are not very common. They can be convenient options for sportsmen and women who enjoy the outdoors and plan on fishing their entire lives. Additionally, some of these lifetime licenses can also come with hunting licenses and other activities.

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, there are many nuances when it comes to fishing licenses. However, they’re a very necessary part of wildlife and habitat conservation. We hope our article cleared up everything for you! Now all that’s left is for you to get a license of your own and start angling!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

1 week ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.