SALTWATER BOW FISHING - OCTOBER 2018
This is not an official copy of the laws or regulations. This explanation of the laws and regulations is correct as of the date specified. Before taking part in this fishery, please call 251-861-2882 or 251-968-7576 for updated information. It is the fisherman's responsibility to know the laws and regulations in effect at any given time.
Bow fishing requires a saltwater fishing license.
- Section 9-11-53.1(a) Resident Annual License - Saltwater Fishing
- Section 9-11-53.5 Resident Seven-Day Trip Saltwater Fishing License
- Section 9-11-55.2 Nonresident Annual and Seven-Day Trip Saltwater Fishing License
If the fish are to be sold a commercial fishing license is needed.
- Section 9-12-113(a)(3)a Licenses or Permits for Commercial Fishing; Net or Seine Permits
- Fish caught under a commercial license are required to be reported through a Seafood Dealer
Bows cannot be used to take game fish.
- ***Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Tarpon, and freshwater game fish***
- Section 9-11-87 Means of Catching Game Fish Generally
- It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or kill or attempt to take, catch, or kill any game fish by any toher means than ordinary hook and line, artificial lure, troll, or spinner in any of the public waters of Alabama.
Creel and size limits apply when using a bow for recreational and commercial uses.
- 220-3-.30 Saltwater Fish Creel, Bag Possession and Size Limits
- Shark fishing with a bow is legal but sharks must meet the minimum lengths and be a legal species to take. Sharks are often hard to identify from the top. It is legal to shoot most species of stingrays and skates but it is discouraged to kill them without eating them as they have a low reproductive rate and are scavengers that are important to the ecosystem.
- 220-3-.04(8) It shall be unlawful for any person to discard dead fish, fish parts or carcasses or other dead seafood within 500 feet of any shoreline.
Care should be taken to not use a bow in a swimming area or around people.
- Section 13A-6-24; Reckless Endangerment - A person commits the crime of reckless endangerment if he recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person.
