As summer heats up and families find more time for fishing getaways, many anglers are opting to spend $88 on a five-year fishing license that is good for 60 months rather than purchasing a $25 annual license that will only remain valid through December.

Close to 7,600 anglers have purchased a five-year fishing license or five-year combination hunting and fishing license since they became available at the start of 2009. The licenses, offered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation along with a five-year hunting license, provide an alternative to purchasing an annual license without the expense of a lifetime license, and they save money compared to purchasing annual licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits over the course of five years.

Sportsmen considering a five-year license can choose between the five-year fishing license and the five-year hunting license for $88, or they can purchase a five-year combination hunting and fishing license for $148. Some of the money is earmarked for hunting and fishing access as part of the Hunting and Fishing Legacy Program.

The five-year license provides about a 30 percent saving from purchasing annual licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits.