Recreational Saltwater Bowfishing Permit

FAQs

A recreational saltwater Bowfishing Permit for the recreational fishery's private and charter sectors is required beginning January 1, 2024. The permit is free of charge and will be valid for one year from the date issued. Individuals 18 years of age and older taking or attempting to take saltwater recreational fish with bowfishing gear. Any person on a charter bowfishing trip, who pays a fee for that trip, is not required to have this permit, but the permit is required for the captain of that charter vessel. Charter guides must use charter license number and obtain a CHARTER bowfishing permit.

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GET A BOWFISHING PERMIT IF:

• You are a client on a bowfishing charter trip
• You are under the age of 18 years
• You are engaging in spearfishing activities

Charter captains, including those fishing from vessels with a valid federal charter/headboat permit, are required to have a valid Charter Bowfishing Permit to take clients on bowfishing trips. 

• A Charter Bowfishing Permit covers all paying anglers on a charter trip.
• A Charter Bowfishing Permit is also valid for the captain on any private, recreational bowfishing trips he may take.
• Charter captains should only register for a Charter Bowfishing Permit if they take clients on bowfishing trips.
• Charter captains who only go on private bowfishing trips (trips on which they are not acting as a captain/guide) should register for a private recreational Bowfishing Permit using their recreational fishing license.
• No person should have both a private recreational and Charter Bowfishing Permit at the same time.