To fish from the beach, a pier or your own boat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you need an Alabama saltwater license. Visitors from most states pay $35.65 for seven days or $64.90 for a year; Florida and Louisiana residents pay their own rates. Under 16? You don't need one. On many charter boats, the captain's license covers you.
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Buy on the state's siteOrange Beach, Alabama · Photo: A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · Credits
Fees as of August 29, 2025. Visitors from abroad: call Marine Resources, 251-968-7576, for the right license type before you buy.
| Where you liveYou live in | 7 days7 days | AnnualYear |
|---|---|---|
| All other states (most visitors) | $35.65 | $64.90 |
| Florida residents | $30.20 | $48.20 |
| Louisiana residents | $33.75 | $129.20 |
| Alabama residents | $12.35 | $30.05 |
Fishing only from a pier? The pier-only license costs $14.15 for visitors from other states and $7.65 for Alabama residents.
Sources: ADCNR: saltwater recreational licenses, size and creel limits.
The 65+ exemption is for Alabama residents only. Visitors of 65 and up buy a license like everyone else.
Sources: ADCNR licenses, red snapper FAQ.
The pier permit and the state license are separate. Paying at the pier doesn't license you for the beach.
Sources: Gulf State Park Pier, Reel Surprise FAQ, Distraction Charters, red snapper FAQ.
This private charter includes your fishing licenses, tackle and bait. Price and rating checked on November 3, 2026.
Blue Water Charters
Head out to Alabama's artificial reefs for red snapper, grouper, cobia and amberjack. Beginners and kids are welcome; the crew explains tackle, bait and every fish.
Licenses to bait are taken care of, and your catch comes back cleaned and filleted.
From $1600 on Viator
