Andy Close
HARRISBURG, Pa. – If you’re looking to punch your ticket to outdoor adventure for the next year, start gearing up today by purchasing your 2024 Pennsylvania fishing license, permits, and gift vouchers.
Fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the 2024 season can now be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) website (Fishandboat.com), on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
2024 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
“The holiday season is a great time to start dreaming about all the fishing fun you can still have this winter or in the spring season right around the corner,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Whether you’re purchasing a license for yourself or a voucher to give as a gift to a family member or friend, you’ll be opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. When you buy your license now, it ensures that you’ll be ready to go for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year. Thank you for investing in Pennsylvania’s fishing future.”
Fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers can be purchased easily, conveniently, and safely online from your computer or smart phone. Licenses may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. While many customers still prefer to purchase fishing licenses in person from local issuing agents, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“Getting someone new involved in fishing is extremely rewarding, and purchasing a fishing license gift voucher is one of the easiest ways to help them get started,” added Schaeffer. “As a gift idea, vouchers are a great choice for active anglers or someone who likes to fish but hasn’t been out on the water for a while. Even for someone who doesn’t fish, purchasing a fishing license supports the conservation of aquatic species and clean water that benefits us all.”
Once again for the 2024 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year’s button features a navy blue background with a golden yellow keystone design. In 2024, a limited-edition production of 10,000 buttons will be produced, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
Anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can receive the 2024 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines current fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits, and safety information, and includes advertising and coupons. A digital version of these publications can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app. Customers should note that 2024 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbooks are still being shipped to retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. Customers should access the free online version or return to a retail location later for a free printed copy.
