Free fishing for kids? New jersey lawmaker proposes no-fee licenses for minors

Free fishing for kids? New Jersey lawmaker proposes no-fee licenses for minors

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1 min read
February 8, 2026

TRENTON, NJ – A New Jersey lawmaker wants to make it easier for children and teens to get hooked on fishing—literally. Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R–12th District) has introduced a new bill that would allow anyone under 18 to fish in New Jersey without paying a license fee, eliminating what he says is an unnecessary financial barrier for families and young anglers.

The legislation, Assembly Bill A5179, amends the state’s fishing license law to exempt all minors—both residents and nonresidents—from the fees currently required to obtain a fishing license. While young people would still need to obtain a license, the permit would be issued at no cost.

“Fishing is one of those timeless outdoor activities that brings families together,” Sauickie said in a statement. “By removing the cost for kids, we’re encouraging more young people to get outside, learn about conservation, and enjoy New Jersey’s natural resources.”

Encouraging youth participation in outdoor recreation
Under current law, New Jersey residents over 16 are required to purchase a license to fish in freshwater lakes and streams. Fees start at $21.50 for adults, with slightly reduced rates for seniors. The new bill would add a new exemption clause granting free fishing licenses to minors under age 18, whether they live in New Jersey or are visiting from another state.

The proposal is designed to promote outdoor recreation among youth and expand engagement in conservation-related activities managed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Key points of the proposed law:

  • Exempts all individuals under 18 from paying fishing license fees.
  • Applies to both residents and nonresidents fishing in New Jersey waters.
  • Keeps the license requirement in place to ensure data collection and management of fishing resources.

Supporters of the measure argue that the initiative could help inspire lifelong interest in fishing and outdoor stewardship at a time when participation among younger generations has declined nationwide.

If enacted, the law would take effect immediately, allowing free fishing licenses for minors before the start of the next freshwater fishing season.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

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