The start of the new year means it’s also time for a new fishing license.

Pennsylvania fishing licenses can be purchased at any of 1,500 issuing agents across the state or via the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s web site at The Outdoor Shop. Issuing agents include bait and tackle shops and the sporting goods departments of many major department stores.

Anglers 16 years of age or older need to have a valid fishing license signed in ink and displayed in order to fish the waters of the Commonwealth. Additional permits may also be required, such as a trout/salmon stamp for those fishing for trout or a newly created Lake Erie permit for anglers fishing in Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay or their tributaries. A combination Lake Erie/Trout Stamp is also available.

The annual licenses and permits will be valid through 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2005 – making them a tremendous buy for your recreational dollar. One-day, three-day and seven-day licenses represent an equal value for the angler seeking to fish for a limited time.

12/31/2004