Do all in the boat need a license to fish?

[SpurHunter]

I am taking some friends catting tommorow, and just thier kids are going to fish, and not the adults. Do all in the boat need a license even if they all dont fish?</p>

 

[adamwstewart]

I think the rule in TN is that if adults are assisting children to fish (though not actually fishing per se) the adults are still required to be licensed. I think the licensing age in TN is 13, but I could be mistaken. It's probably better to have them licensed than it is to get ticketed. You should be able to find out on TWRA's website, although I don't have the link.

 

[m17glock]

spur if you do all of the assisting you should be ok  but by the letter of the law
if the other adults help them in ANY way they would have to be licenced

 

[SpurHunter]

Thanks

 

[rsimms]

SpurHunter - 9/8/2007 9:33 PM



I am taking some friends catting tommorow, and just thier kids are going to fish, and not the adults. Do all in the boat need a license even if they all dont fish?</p>

A wildlife officer has to "see" you touch a fishing rod, or as otherwise noted, assist (i.e. cast rod, bait hook, etc.). You get the idea... if somebody is truly NOT fishing, such as the little lady sprawled on the rear seat suntanning and reading a book, no need for license. Just pretend you are a game warden and if you pulled up on your boat would you have reason to believe (and prove) that you are fishing. If the answer is "yes," better buy them a license.