Do I need to buy a fishing license for an 8 year old?

[180-GRAIN]

So I'm taking out my fiancés 8 year old boy trout fishing on the opener. Me not having children I have never paid attention to youth fishing rules. My question is do I need to buy him a fishing license? I think I read that I do not but wanted to run it by the pros on this site to make sure.

[JLS]

No, he will not need one.

[smdave]

Freshwater fishing licenses cost $29.50 for resident adults 16 to 69 years old. Fifteen-year-olds can buy a license for $10.25, and seniors 70 and older can buy an annual freshwater fishing license for $7.50. Children 14 years of age and younger do not need a fishing license. Purchase a license online or find a vendor near you at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/

[BIGINNER]

i'm gonna jump in with a separate question here.    my kid loved fishing, I don't really fish anymore.  and don't want to spend money on a license.   what are the chances of me getting a ticket for taking my kid fishing?  I won't be fishing.

[troyspinetar]

FYI. I would recommend getting them catch records if you plan on salt water or crab. The more...the marrier!
I think those are free...not sure

[Goldeneye]

i'm gonna jump in with a separate question here.    my kid loved fishing, I don't really fish anymore.  and don't want to spend money on a license.   what are the chances of me getting a ticket for taking my kid fishing?  I won't be fishing.

Your OK as long as you don't cast a line yourself.

[Oldguy]

Catch record card also required for salmon, steelhead and sturgeon and it is free.

[Elkrunner]

I always take my kids in and get them a license.  It doesn't cost anything.  They get the official deal and put it in blaze oarange holder.  I have them put it in the tackle box.  They get really excited about it.

[magnanimous_j]

i'm gonna jump in with a separate question here.    my kid loved fishing, I don't really fish anymore.  and don't want to spend money on a license.   what are the chances of me getting a ticket for taking my kid fishing?  I won't be fishing.

I think it’s probably ok, but I wouldn’t want to get caught even taking a fish off the kid’s hook or rigging the tackle. A game warden in a bad mood could ruin your day even if you weren’t doing anything wrong.

[180-GRAIN]

Right on. Do the limits stay the same for them as we'll?

[bobcat]

i'm gonna jump in with a separate question here.    my kid loved fishing, I don't really fish anymore.  and don't want to spend money on a license.   what are the chances of me getting a ticket for taking my kid fishing?  I won't be fishing.

Your OK as long as you don't cast a line yourself.

Really? I was going to take my 5 and 7 year old girls fishing. I don't have a fishing license, and won't buy one, since I already spend enough on hunting licenses. But they don't really know how to cast, so how am I supposed to teach them how to fish if I'm not allowed to help?

[BIGINNER]

i'm gonna jump in with a separate question here.    my kid loved fishing, I don't really fish anymore.  and don't want to spend money on a license.   what are the chances of me getting a ticket for taking my kid fishing?  I won't be fishing.

Your OK as long as you don't cast a line yourself.

Really? I was going to take my 5 and 7 year old girls fishing. I don't have a fishing license, and won't buy one, since I already spend enough on hunting licenses. But they don't really know how to cast, so how am I supposed to teach them how to fish if I'm not allowed to help?

yeah,  that's the situation i'm in right now.  my kid can't really cast.  we practice casting in the back yard,  but then I have to rig his tackle and put on the bait,...

[smdave]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/52/Do+I+need+a+fishing+license+if+I%27m+just+helping+my+child+or+others+to+fish%3F

Do I need a fishing license if I'm just helping my child or others to fish?

If you are only watching, you do not need a fishing license. However, if you are directly assisting and participating, you will need the appropriate fishing license.

[bobcat]

Thanks. I guess I won't be taking my kids fishing then. I can't afford a ticket either. This state really does suck!

[gaddy]

talked with a guy awile ago who was livid about a ticket he got for helping his young son learn to fish. the father doesnt like to fish but his son wanted to learn. trying to be a good dad cost him.
get a license. & have fun with those kids.

[BIGINNER]

Thanks. I guess I won't be taking my kids fishing then. I can't afford a ticket either. This state really does suck!

i'll most likely have to get a license...    or just take him to the kids only fishing pond,... I guess a fishing license is not affective there either way.. 

[gaddy]

heard tell they watch the pond looking for parents useing thier kids as excuses.

[wildmanoutdoors]

As a parent if my kids wanted to fish the last Id be worried about is the cost of my freshwater license.

Every kid deserves to fish!

[bobcat]

I may have to plan on taking them on the free fishing weekend in June.
(Or is it only a day?)

[smdave]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/kids/events.html

Youth Fishing 2013 Event Calendar

[bobcat]

Found it. Free fishing weekend:  June 9th & 10th.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/free/

[smdave]

Wrong year

June 9-10, 2012

[bobcat]

I didn't even look at the year. Figured it would be up to date. As I said, this state does suck!   

[BIGINNER]

heard tell they watch the pond looking for parents useing thier kids as excuses.

yeah they do watch the ponds... so where is the line drawn for parents using kids as an excuse or a parents helping a kid cast/tie tackle?   I've seen parents come there with 10+ kids several times a day and take 100+ fish home....

[gaddy]

yep, pretty sad & a poor example.

[bobcat]

I think I will still take my kids fishing. I will just take the boat and troll, so they don't need to cast. Probably will have to take just one kid at a time. It would be too difficult with two if I'm not allowed to help.

[smdave]

June 8-9, 2013, is “Free Fishing Weekend” in
Washington. On those two days, fishing licenses are not
required. Catch Record Cards are required to fish for
salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, Puget Sound Dungeness
crab, and halibut (if open). Free fishing days are valid for
everyone. All other rules still apply, including seasons,
area and lure or bait restrictions, and size and catch
limits. A Vehicle Access Pass, Discover Pass, Columbia
River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement, and Two-Pole
Endorsement is not required during this weekend.
Each year, the Free Fishing Weekend will be the first
weekend in June, after the first Monday in June.

From Page 7 of the fishing pamphlet.

[JLS]

I think I will still take my kids fishing. I will just take the boat and troll, so they don't need to cast. Probably will have to take just one kid at a time. It would be too difficult with two if I'm not allowed to help.

You are allowed to help. 

[bobcat]

I think I will still take my kids fishing. I will just take the boat and troll, so they don't need to cast. Probably will have to take just one kid at a time. It would be too difficult with two if I'm not allowed to help.

You are allowed to help.

Okay. Well I guess I will look up the actual laws tonight, and read it myself.

Must be different ways of interpreting it.

[BIGINNER]

I think I will still take my kids fishing. I will just take the boat and troll, so they don't need to cast. Probably will have to take just one kid at a time. It would be too difficult with two if I'm not allowed to help.

You are allowed to help.

Okay. Well I guess I will look up the actual laws tonight, and read it myself.

Must be different ways of interpreting it.

please share what you find

[Holg3107]

Read page 7 (license information) it spells it out clearly.

"they must actively participate and be able to demonstrate the ability to handle the gear by themselves. They must follow the rules and restrictions ect... Adults may assist and are not required to have a fishing license if they will not be fishing/harvesting themselves, but children must be present and take part in the entire process."

good luck, and get your kids out to the water!!!