What to Bring & Florida Fishing Licenses
Everything you need for a comfortable day on the water with Captain Al, plus Florida’s saltwater license rules in plain English.
What to Bring
- Polarized sunglasses and a hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a long-sleeve sun shirt
- Water and snacks or lunch
- A light rain jacket; Florida weather changes fast
- Non-marking shoes or sandals with grip
- A small cooler to take your fish or scallops home
- Motion-sickness remedy if you need one (take it before the trip)
- For scalloping: swimsuit, towel, and mask, snorkel and fins if you have your own
Captain Al will confirm what’s provided and anything specific to your trip when you book. Fishing charters include the license, bait, rods and tackle.
Florida Saltwater Fishing License
FWC requires a Florida saltwater fishing license to take or try to take saltwater fish, including catch-and-release, unless you’re exempt. Common exemptions:
- Anglers under 16
- Florida residents 65 or older with proof of age and residency
- Anyone fishing from a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license
Captain Al’s fishing charters include the license. If you plan to fish on your own too, FWC lists non-resident licenses at $17 for 3 days, $30 for 7 days and $47 for a year, and the resident annual license at $17. Vendors may add a 50¢ fee.
Extra permits: keeping a snook takes a snook permit along with a license unless you’re exempt, and a tarpon may only be kept with a tarpon tag in pursuit of a record.
Sources: FWC: Do I need a license? (opens in a new tab) and FWC: Saltwater licenses and permits (opens in a new tab), checked November 10, 2026. Buy licenses at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com (opens in a new tab).
Trip Planning FAQ
Who is exempt from a Florida saltwater fishing license?
Per FWC, exemptions include anyone under 16, Florida residents 65 or older with proof of age and residency, and anyone saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter or party boat) with a valid charter license, among others.
Does catch-and-release fishing need a license?
Yes. FWC says that if you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license unless you are exempt.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. Captain Al will call or text about weather changes, rescheduling or cancellation options for your trip.
Ready to get on the water?
Call or text Captain Al with your date, the number of people and the trip you’d like. He’ll confirm availability, rates and where to meet. No payment or deposit is collected online.
Tap “Text Captain Al” and a message is started for you. Just fill in your date and group size.