The bags are packed and the tackle boxes are full: It must mean that your long-awaited fishing trip is finally here! You have your favorite fishing rod, sinkers, and bait all ready, but what about your fishing licence?
Here are a few things to know about your fishing licence before you hit the open water!
Outdoors Card vs. Fishing Licence Tag
Did you know that your fishing licence is split up into two parts? It’s true! You need to obtain an Outdoors Card and a fishing licence tag in order to start your fishing adventure. The different components serve different purposes:
Outdoor Cards
• Plastic ID card
• Valid for 3 years
• Fishing version is for fishing only
• Hunting version is for fishing and hunting
Fishing Licence Tag
• Valid for either 1 or 3 years
• Conservation fishing tags are for casual fishing and catch and release, with a reduced catch limit
• Sport fishing tags have standard catch limits, meaning you can keep more of the fish you catch
You must purchase your Outdoors Card in order to purchase your fishing licence tag and it’s vital that you carry both whenever you go fishing.
Exceptions to the Rules
If you’re under 18 years of age or older than 65, you’re not required to have a fishing licence. That’s right! No Outdoors Card or fishing tag is needed; however it’s important you remember a form of ID with your name and date of birth on it as proof that you fall under those age requirements.
One other exception is if you’re only planning on fishing for one single day. If so, you can skip the Outdoors Card and instead, purchase a 1-day sport fishing licence.
Now it’s time to get your fishing licence and get out on the water! Looking for a good place to set up camp? Mattice Lake Outfitters has several lodging options along the legendary Ogoki-Albany river system to choose from. Give us a call at 1-800-411-0334 today to book your trip!