Bethlehem (November 27, 2019)- State Senator Lisa M. Boscola announced today that just in time for the holiday season the Commonwealth’s 2020 fishing licenses will go on sale beginning December 1.
“Buying your fishing license now gives anglers their biggest bang for their buck,” Boscola stated. “By doing so, individuals will be covered for every fishing season for the rest of this year and for all of next year. It can also be more convenient if you like to buy your license at a store since long lines associated with the start of the spring trout season can be avoided,” Boscola added.
All fishing licenses and related permits purchased now are valid for up to 13 months, from December 2019 through December 31, 2020. Licenses and permits can be purchased at www.gonefishingpa.com, at more than 700 issuing agents, county treasurers’ offices and at all PFBC regional offices.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout/salmon or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“A voucher makes the perfect gift for the avid angler,” Boscola said. “Vouchers can also be used to introduce family members and friends to the wonderful sport of fishing.”
The price of an annual resident fishing license this year is still $22.90. Multi-year options are also available in 3, 5 and 10 year increments. The most popular add-ons, a trout-salmon permit and a Lake Erie permit cost $9.90 each, or $15.90 for a combination permit. Once again for the 2020 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button for $10. This year’s button features a pumpkinseed sunfish design and is customized with the angler’s individual license number (buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer within 3-4 weeks).
In 2020, anglers who visit a license issuing agent in-person can receive the Fishing Summary book free of charge. The book, which outlines current fishing regulations and laws, seasons and creel limits, and safety information also includes advertising and coupons. An identical, digital version of the Fishing Summary book can be viewed and printed for free at www.FishInPA.com, or viewed on the free FishBoatPA mobile app for smart phones.
“Pennsylvania anglers have a lot to look forward to this year,” said Amber Nabors, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Outreach, Education and Marketing. “In 2020, we will be more than doubling the number of trophy-sized trout being stocked in lakes and streams across the state and extending many of our Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters. We’ll also be increasing the number of Golden Rainbow Trout that we stock prior to the trout season and stocking them in-season for the first time ever. The FishBoatPA app can help you keep track of stocking locations and the expanded special regulation areas closest to you.”
Customers purchasing a 2020 license can once again can support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout and Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.90) or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in various youth opportunities throughout the season. This includes the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Days, which occur the week before the opening of the regional and statewide openers in each area.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, boating registrations and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
Related 2020 Fishing Dates:
December 1, 2019 – 2020 Fishing Licenses On Sale
March 28 — Regional Mentored Youth Trout Day (18 southeastern counties)
April 4 – Regional Opening Day of Trout Season
April 11 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 18 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement
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