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recreationstate

Appreciation Fishing Opens at 20% — Freshwater and Saltwater Both

The Disabled Military Veterans Appreciation licence needs only a 20% VA disability — the lowest recreation threshold we have verified in any state — and it covers an annual saltwater licence as well as freshwater. The department FAQ states the gate; the current price is not on a page we could read.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

The Disabled Military Veterans Appreciation licence needs only a 20% VA disability — the lowest recreation threshold we have verified in any state — and it covers an annual saltwater licence as well as freshwater. The department FAQ states the gate; the current price is not on a page we could read.

What it's worth: Discounted annual freshwater AND saltwater fishing licences from a 20% rating — standard freshwater licence $17.00

  • The standard resident freshwater licence is $17.00 on the current table; the appreciation price is materially below it but unverified.
  • The appreciation licence covers an annual saltwater fishing licence as well as the freshwater one. The record previously named freshwater alone.
  • Buy online, or at the Probate Judge or License Commissioner in your county of residence, with a VA letter stating the level of disability.

Who is entitled to it

  • Your VA disability is 20% or higher.
  • You are a resident of this state.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

How to claim it

  1. 1Bring VA certification showing a disability of at least 20% — the FAQ states the gate in terms.
  2. 2The licence sells online and through Probate Judges and License Commissioners, unlike the hunting version.
  3. 3Ask the issuing office for the current appreciation price before paying the standard $17.00 — the discount is the point.
Form
Appreciation licence purchase with VA certification
File with
Online, Probate Judge or License Commissioner
Documents you will need
va benefit summary letter
Annual
Claimed once a year.
Known gapThe appreciation licence price does not appear on the pages we could read — the resident freshwater table lists no veteran row and the veteran licence packet PDF would not download. Secondary summaries circulate "$2 plus a $1 issuance fee" and lifetime versions at $45 under age 50 and $25 at 50 or older; we do not publish those figures unread. The 20% gate itself is the department's own statement.

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.