Fishing without license could cost you

Fishing is a popular sport in the Gulf Coast region. But if you get caught without the proper license, you could end up with a hefty fine.

Jake Baker is a local fisherman, and he learned his lesson the hard way.

"Me and my friends were down at the state park and we were wading out in the water about two or three feet. The game warden came up and asked for out fishing licenses. They had theirs, I didn't have one. He wrote me up a ticket and said if I didn't pay it on that day it would be $500, but it was only a $100 ticket."

Baker ended up taking care of the ticket. He said, "It is definitely worth getting a license."

Henry Lowery is a game warden at the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries, and he says knowing which waters are salt or fresh can be difficult.

"Because the Bayway and Causeway cross in this area, it can be confusing. On the western side the line is the Causeway, and on the eastern side of the intersection it is the Bayway," said Lowery.

Lowery said you have to have the proper license for each area. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule. If you have proof of residency in the state you are fishing in, are younger than 16, and older than 65, you are not required to buy a license. Also, if you are fishing from the bank with a cane pole, you are not required to have a license.

Lowery said he wishes they never had to write the tickets.

"We would be ecstatic if everybody had a fishing license."

Click here for more information about fishing licenses.