Out-of-sight: Pa. anglers don’t have to wear fishing licenses

Fishing licenses no longer need to be visible on anglers’ clothing as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is soon ending the longtime regulation.

“With this change, we’re making things more convenient for our anglers,” Tim Schaeffer, commission executive director, said in a press release.

Apparently, there have been some problems over the years with anglers losing their fishing licenses, which have been enclosed in a small plastic sleeve and pinned to a hat or other pieces of clothing.

By allowing people to carry their license in a pocket or in their wallet, Schaeffer said he hoped fewer anglers will lose their licenses. Also, anglers who purchase their licenses online will have an electronic version that can be saved and reprinted at any time.

The commission removed the license display requirement Jan. 28. It will not take effect until the updated requirement is formally published. The date for when anglers won’t need to display their license is pending.