Fishing license: Don’t leave home without it

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Fishing license: Don’t leave home without it


The late actor Karl Malden was the pitch man for American Express credit cards and traveler’s checks during the 1970s, urging Americans: “Don’t leave home without it.”

Now a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging Minnesota anglers to do the same thing with their fishing license: Don’t leave home without it.

Conservation Officer Marty Stage of Ely said the most common fishing violation is an angler not having a fishing license in possession. Minnesota statute states anglers age 16 or older must have the appropriate license with them when fishing.

Stage shared the story of a recent encounter he had with an angler while patrolling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

“Some people claim that since officers have computers, they don’t need to have a license in possession,” Stage said. “But it can take conservation officers a lot of extra time to track down information on someone, especially a nonresident.

“Also, computers don’t work in the wilderness, and neither do phones,” Stage noted. “Anyway, the law is pretty clear. A person must have a fishing license with them while fishing. It’s best not to leave home without it.”

Maj. Roger Tietz, operations support manager for the DNR’s Division of Enforcement, agreed. “Well, I have one, but I just forgot to bring it with me” is an excuse that conservation officers wish they’d hear less often,” said Tietz, noting it’s an excuse that can be easily avoided.

The state’s Electronic Licensing System issues licenses and stamps through 1,800 license agents statewide. Instant licenses and stamps are also available online or by telephone at 888-665-4236. An additional $3.50 convenience fee is added for sales via the Web site or phone.

“The purchaser is licensed immediately, which is a tremendous feature,” Tietz said. “Then you’re on your way to your fishing spot.”