What happens if I get caught fishing with no license and just a little bit of string?

Question

My friend gave me this hunting knife the kind that holds some stuff in the handle. It has some fishing string and a hook what happens if I get got fishing with it I have no fishing license. Its just one line and one hook is that considered just the same if I had a full tackle box and rod.

Answer 1

If the line is not in the water you are not fishing. I once went to a lake. Had a pole with the line in the water. Was asked for my fishing license. I told the officer I was not fishing. He pointed out that I had a pole and line in the water. I reeled in the line and showed him that I only had a plug on  my line.

I used to do that sometimes because I worked nights and was self employed. Going somewhere where I could not be reached was a great luxury.

Answer 2

You will get fined and your fishing equipment taken from you, the fines can be pretty big and cheating other anglers by not using a license is a pretty big deal, buy one.

Answer 3

Fishing by line and hook or using a full tackle box and fancy rod is the same as far as the law is concerned.  Most likely you will get a citation except if you are using it in an emergency survival situation... at that point an officer is going to be more focused on finding you than citing you for fishing without a license.

Answer 4

You only need a license if you're actually fishing, not merely for having fishing equipment in your possession. Just like you don't need a hunting license if you only happen to be carrying a gun (though guns themselves need to also be licensed/registered - fishing tackle doesn't).

Answer 5

If your using your "survival knife" fishing line & hook in a public lake and an officer approaches you for a license you will probably get a fine/ticket, (unless the officer is a nice guy and your not a habitual criminal.).

If you have a limit of fish AND you don't have a license.......Good luck! You may have to take a ride "downtown". Depends on the officer and his attitude. (In Fla & MN the Game Wardens/DNR guys can get REAL pissed if you don't abide the law!)

Your definitely gonna "stick out" worse in a crowd using a hand-line than with a rod & reel.

Survival gear is best used in an emergency situation.

Why not just buy a license?

Answer 6

Don't know how old you are. Most states have an exemption for kids under 16 years old. You will have to check the regulations of your state to be sure.If you are required to have a license & get caught fishing without one, you will get a ticket. If I were in a survival situation & got caught fishing without a license, I would be happy to pay the ticket because getting caught means I'm rescued.

Answer 7

Its the same.

Answer 8

Try it and see for yourself, that would be the best method.