The definition of a “new” angler and a “returning” angler have been updated to allow NJ Fish and Wildlife to reward even more anglers for introducing a “Buddy” to freshwater fishing. Qualified anglers purchasing their buddy fishing licenses in pairs receive substantially discounted licenses!

Although the Buddy Fishing License Program has been in place since 2016, starting with 2025 licenses (on sale beginning 12/2/24), eligibility will now be determined by your purchases from the last five years only (as opposed to purchases since 2010).

Who Qualifies for the Buddy Fishing License Discount?

A “Buddy Team” must be two different individuals and the licenses for these individuals must be purchased together in the same transaction. Residents and Non-Residents are eligible provided they meet the requirements below.

A Buddy Team may consist of either:

• One Returning Angler and One New Angler purchasing together.

or

• Two New Anglers purchasing their licenses together.

For the purposes of a Buddy Fishing License, the following definitions apply:

Returning Angler – A returning angler is someone who has purchased at least one NJ resident or non-resident fishing license in the previous five years. NJ Residents must be 16-64 and be eligible for a regular resident fishing license and not qualify for any of the already discounted licenses. Non-Residents must be age 16 or older.

New Angler – a new angler is someone who either has never purchased a NJ Fishing License before, or someone who has had at least a five-year lapse in purchasing and therefore, does not have a NJ fishing license on file for any of the previous five years. (This means, if purchasing for 2025 the previous five years include 2020-2024 inclusive. In 2026 the previous five years would include 2021-2025)

Individuals who already qualify for other discounted or free licenses do not qualify for Buddy Fishing Licenses; this includes NJ Residents aged 65 and over and individuals who already qualify for the National Guard or Disabled Veteran free licenses.

License	Regular Price	“Fishing Buddy” Price
Resident Fishing	$22.50	$11.75
Non-Resident Fishing	$34.00	$17.50
All-Around Sportsman	$72.25	$62.50

How to Purchase Buddy Fishing Licenses

Fishing Buddy licenses are sold to both individuals that comprise the ‘buddy pair’ during the same transaction.

Online via the Internet Sales Site

https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales

1)  Both individuals must first make sure they have accounts in the system and have signed the child support certification.
2)  Once both account profiles are created, log in using one of the profiles, add the Fishing Buddy License to the shopping cart.
    a. Answer whether or not a trout stamp is wanted.
3)  Then click the ‘Add a Profile’ button and follow the search features to retrieve the profile of the second person.
4)  Add a Buddy Fishing License to the shopping cart for second person.
    a. Answer the trout stamp question.
5)  You’ll see both licenses in the cart.
6)  If either or both customers want the durable stock copy, check the box for that (2.00 extra fee) just prior to payment.
7)  Complete your transaction.
8)  When you hit the print button after the transaction is paid for, it will print the receipt, followed by BOTH licenses.
9)  After the initial purchase, each customer will be able to go into their own profile and reprint their own license if they need to.

At License Agents

https://njdepwptest.net/njfw/licenses-and-permits/license-agents/

1) Buddy Licenses must be purchased in the same transaction.
2) Only one customer needs to be present provided the absent customer has already created a profile, completed their Child Support Certification for the year, and provided their Buddy with either their CID number or their DOB and the Last four Digits of their SSN.
3) If the Child Support Certification for the current year is not on file for the absent customer, the transaction cannot be completed.
4) Two individual fishing licenses will print out, one for each Fishing Buddy in the team.

Once purchased, “buddies” do not have to fish together, they may fish independently.

Pass on the tradition and we will pass on the savings!