A game warden caught me last year fishing with an out of state license. I live in Ky and was fishing in Indiana. My wife and kids thought he was going to lock me up but he turned out to be a pretty nice guy and let me off with a warning. One of my teenage boys was running his mouth to the guy as he was walking me up to his car so I had to tell him to shut his mouth. After it was over I had a nice long talk with the boy about showing respect (especially when someone can confiscate all your stuff and fine you $300.00 bucks.
I just got back from vacation. Paid $53 for a family license so I could take the kids out fishing. Lines were wet for a total of perhaps 4 hours (and six fish). Expensive fish (catch a release anyway) - but cheaper than a movie (4 fishermen x 4 hours). And a whole lot of fun. I figure the $53 is going to a good cause too.
Years ago I got caught fishing on the wrong (Canadian side) of a lake. The mountie/warden gave me a ticket - on the low side as I was young and pleaded ignorance as I had a valid U.S. fishing license and thought that was good for the whole lake (well, that’s what I told him anyway although I had my doubts!).
Caught up to him at the next portage and he invited me over for a snack!