Your complete fishing plan — from first cast to last fillet
One guided path covers the whole trip: plan the species and timing, secure the license and know the rules, pack the right gear, catch within the limits, care for and cook the fish, then log it so the next trip starts smarter. Build it, print it, take it.
The full fishing lifecycle
Six stages, one printable takeaway. Each step links to the FishFig tool that does the work.
Plan — species, state, date, time
Start on the Trip Planner. Pick your target species and state, then the date and time of day. FishFig returns the live fish-run status for that window so you fish the peak, not the lull.
Build your plan →License & rules
Every plan links to the official state agency with its phone number and website. Confirm resident/nonresident fees, seasons, and size/bag limits before you keep anything — FishFig flags unverified states rather than guessing.
State regulations →Prep your gear
The plan builds a species-specific gear checklist — rod power, reel, line, lures, and rigs — plus universal essentials like a landing net, pliers, sun protection, and water.
Species guides →On the water
Fish the waters the plan suggests, read the time-of-day and water-type tips, and decide keep vs. release against the agency limits. Respect closures and slot limits.
Water finder →Care & cook
Bleed and ice fish immediately, keep them cool, and wet your hands on releases. Then take the catch from cooler to plate with the step-by-step cleaning and cooking guide.
Clean & cook →Log it — and improve next time
The printable plan ends with a blank field-log sheet: date, location, species, count, kept/released, and conditions. Fill it on the water and your next trip starts smarter.
Print your plan →Key numbers — 2026 resident license fees
Representative states. Fees are verified where shown; others confirm locally. Always check the official agency before purchase (retrieval: 2026).
| State | Agency | Resident annual | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | $64.54 (2026) | agency page → |
| Texas | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) | $40.00 (2026) | agency page → |
| Florida | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) | $17.00 (2026) | agency page → |
| New York | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) | $25.00 (2026) | agency page → |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) | $27.97 (2026) | agency page → |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) | $15.00 (2026) | agency page → |
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife (ODNR) | $25.00 (2026) | agency page → |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) | verify locally | agency page → |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) | verify locally | agency page → |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) | $26.00 (2026) | agency page → |
| Washington | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) | $55.35 (2026) | agency page → |
| Arizona | Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) | verify locally | agency page → |
| Colorado | Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) | verify locally | agency page → |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) | $25.00 (2026) | agency page → |
8 traps that derail a trip
Frequently asked questions
What is a full-lifecycle fishing plan?
It is the complete path from deciding to go fishing to logging the trip: plan the species and timing, secure the license and know the rules, pack the right gear, catch within the limits, care for and cook the fish, then record what worked for next time.
Can I really print the plan and take it?
Yes. On the Trip Planner, hit Print / Save as PDF. The page is styled so only your plan prints — nav, buttons, and footer are hidden — and it ends with a blank field-log sheet you fill in on the water.
Does the plan know my local season and limits?
It shows the general U.S. mainland fish-run window for your species and date. Exact seasons, size, and bag limits shift by state and water, so the plan links straight to the official agency to confirm before you keep fish.
Why does the planner ask for time of day?
Fish feed on light and temperature. Dawn, dusk, and night are often the best bites, and the plan tailors a conditions tip to your choice.
Is the gear list specific to my fish?
Yes. Rod power, reel, line, lures, and rigs come from FishFig’s species guides for the fish you picked, plus a few universal essentials.
How do I know my license fee?
Each state sets its own resident and nonresident fees. The plan links the official agency with its phone and website; verified states show the 2026 fee, and unverified states are flagged to confirm locally rather than guessed.
What should I do with the fish I keep?
Bleed and ice immediately, keep cool out of the sun, and follow the clean-and-cook guide from cooler to plate. Released fish should be handled wet-handed with minimal air time.
Is FishFig legal or professional advice?
No. FishFig is an informational planning layer. Always confirm fees, seasons, and limits with the official state fish and wildlife agency before fishing or keeping any catch.