What a 14-Day Nonresident Saltwater License Covers

A 14-day nonresident saltwater fishing license from Mississippi allows you to fish in saltwater for 14 consecutive calendar days without being a state resident. The license covers saltwater species in Mississippi's coastal waters and bays — redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and others — depending on the season and area. You do not need a separate license for freshwater fishing if you only plan to fish salt.

The license is valid for exactly 14 days from the date of purchase, not 14 fishing days. If you buy it on a Tuesday, it expires 14 days later on a Monday, whether you fish every day or not. This matters if you are planning a specific trip: buy it close to your arrival date, not weeks in advance.

The license does not cover charter boat trips where the captain holds a blanket license that covers all passengers. If you are booking a guided charter, ask whether the captain's license includes you — most do. You only need your own license if you are fishing from a private boat, from shore, or from a pier that does not have its own blanket coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • A 14-day nonresident saltwater license costs a set fee and is valid for exactly 14 consecutive calendar days from purchase, not 14 fishing days.
  • You can buy the license online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website, by phone, or at authorized vendors in coastal counties.
  • The license covers saltwater fishing only and does not include freshwater species; you need a separate license if you plan to fish both.
  • Charter boat passengers are usually covered under the captain's blanket license, so confirm with your charter operator before purchasing your own.
  • Possession limits, size restrictions, and closed seasons vary by species and change throughout the year, so check current regulations before you fish.

Where to Buy the License

The fastest way to buy a 14-day nonresident saltwater license is online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website at mdwfp.com. You can purchase and print your license immediately, which means you can start fishing the same day. The online system accepts credit and debit cards and takes about five minutes to complete.

If you prefer to buy in person, authorized vendors in Mississippi's coastal counties — Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, and Pearl River — sell licenses over the counter. These include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some marinas. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has 14-day nonresident licenses in stock, since smaller shops may only stock annual licenses.

You can also purchase by phone through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Have your credit card ready and expect to receive your license by email or mail, depending on how quickly you need it. If you are buying close to your trip date, the online option is most reliable.

What Information You Need to Provide

To buy a 14-day nonresident saltwater license, you will need your full name, date of birth, and current address. If you are purchasing online, you will also need a valid credit or debit card. The state does not require proof of residency or a driver's license number, though some vendors may ask for a phone number or email for their records.

You do not need to list which species you plan to fish or where you plan to fish. The license is general-purpose and covers all saltwater species in Mississippi's coastal zone, subject to current possession and size limits. If you are under 16 or over 59, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee or exemption, so mention your age when purchasing.

Cost and Payment Options

The 14-day nonresident saltwater license fee varies slightly depending on where you buy it. Online purchases through the state website and phone purchases typically cost the same amount. Vendors in coastal counties may charge a small processing fee on top of the license fee, so the total can be slightly higher if you buy in person.

All purchase methods accept credit and debit cards. Some in-person vendors may accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. The state does not offer refunds if you decide not to fish or if you leave early, so purchase only when you are certain of your dates.

Regulations and Possession Limits

Your 14-day license covers saltwater fishing, but it does not override Mississippi's daily possession limits, size restrictions, or closed seasons. These rules change by species and by calendar month. For example, redfish have a minimum size limit and a daily bag limit; speckled trout have different limits; and some species have seasonal closures when they cannot be kept at all.

Before you fish, check the current Mississippi saltwater fishing regulations on the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. The regulations page lists every species, its current size and bag limits, and any seasonal restrictions. Regulations can change mid-year, so do not rely on a printed guide from last season.

Violating possession or size limits can result in fines and confiscation of your catch, even if you have a valid license. The license itself is not a permit to keep unlimited fish — it is only permission to fish.

When Your License Is Valid

Your 14-day license is valid during daylight hours and at night, depending on the species and location. Some areas have specific hours for certain species — for instance, night fishing for flounder may be restricted to certain seasons or closed entirely. Check the regulations for the specific area where you plan to fish.

The license is valid seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. There are no blackout dates or days when the license does not work. The only limit is the 14-day calendar window from your purchase date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in freshwater with a 14-day saltwater license?

No. A saltwater license covers only saltwater species in coastal bays and sounds. If you want to fish in rivers, lakes, or ponds, you need a separate freshwater license. Some anglers buy both licenses if they plan to fish both environments during their trip.

What happens if I lose my license or it gets wet?

If you bought online and printed it, print a new copy from your email or the state website using the same login. If you bought in person and lost the physical copy, contact the vendor or the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to request a duplicate. Keep a photo of your license on your phone as a backup.

Do I need a license if I am fishing from a charter boat?

Most charter boats operate under a blanket license that covers all passengers, so you do not need your own. Always confirm with the charter operator before booking. If they do not have blanket coverage, they will tell you to bring your own license.

Can I extend my 14-day license if I decide to stay longer?

No. Once your 14 days expire, the license is no longer valid. If you need to stay longer, you must purchase a new 14-day license or switch to an annual nonresident license. There is no grace period or extension option.

What if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license in Mississippi saltwater is a violation. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of your equipment and catch. Always carry your license with you while fishing — have it printed or on your phone where you can show it to a wildlife officer if asked.