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    Charter Boats and Fishing Guides

    Charter Boats and Fishing Guides in Pennsylvania are permitted by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. 

    View Guides by County

    For ease, find Charter Boats and Fishing Guides permitted in Pennsylvania in 3 listings:

    Become a Charter Boat Operator and/or Fishing Guide

    Charter Boat Operators and Fishing Guides working on waters in Pennsylvania must obtain a permit through the Commission.  Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Charter Boat/Fishing Guide permits are valid for one calendar year expiring on December 31. 

    Program regulations are available on the PA Bulletin: 58 Pa. Code Subchapter L. Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Operations (pacodeandbulletin.gov).  

    Apply at HuntFishPA (Read "How To" Instructions)

    Charter Boat Operators and Fishing Guides must comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations and are responsible for ensuring that their employees, passengers and customers comply with all fishing and boating laws and regulations. Check the current Summary Book for specifics.

    Questions? Contact us at RA-FB-FISHBOATPERMIT@pa.gov.

    Working Charter Boat Operators and Fishing Guides must:

    • display their Charter Boat/Fishing Guide permit on a hat or an outer garment in plain view
    • possess a vaild fishing license and permitting appropriate for the waters they are fishing (and ensure the same for all workers and customers)
    • possess and maintain General Liability Insurance
    • possess and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications. 
      • BLS does not include first aid training. A separate first aid course would be required,
    • If using a boat, Charter Boat Operators/Fishing Guides must also possess a Boating Safety Education Certificate issues by the Commission or another state in accordance with NASBLA or a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
    • permittees must provide proof of all requirements upon request of a Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO)
    A valid USCG MMC is required for motorized vessel operation on the following Federal Waters:
    • ​Delaware River - upstream to Trenton
    • Schuykill River - upstream to Fairmont Dam
    • Allegheny River
    • Monongahela River
    • Youghiogheny River - mile marker 32 to mouth
    • Youghiogheny​ Reservoir
    • Lake Erie
    • Ohio River
    • Shenango River - includes Shenango Reservoir​

    Boundary Waters

    PA residents operating as a Charter Boat/Fishing Guide in boundary waters must hold a Resident Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Permit. Non-residents must hold the Non-Resident Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Permit.

    Becoming a fishing license issuing agent

    Charter Boat/Fishing Guide operators may be able to sell One-Day Fishing Licenses, Three-Day Tourist Fishing Licenses, Seven-Day Tourist Fishing Licenses and the Trout Permit and Lake Erie Permit for fishing Lake Erie and tributaries to their customers. To find out more, call the Commission at 717-705- 7942. 

    The Commission may suspend or revoke a Charter Boat/Fishing Guide permit for noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the applicable regulations or when the Charter Boat Operator or Fishing Guide is convicted or acknowledges guilt of a violation of the laws or regulations.