R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-2.2-5: Exemptions.

A license shall not be required for anyone who is:

(1) Under the age of sixteen (16);

(2) Permanently disabled or blind;

(3) On leave from active military duty;

(4) A passenger on a party or charter boat holding a current and valid license issued by the department in accordance with § 20-2-27.1;

(5) Fishing recreationally during a designated free-fishing day, which may be established by the director and occur on no more than one day per year; or

(6) Fishing commercially in accordance with a current and valid commercial fishing license.