Saltwater Fishing License Update
Sunday April 5, 2009
Many - actually most - coastal US states have enacted a saltwater fishing license. They have an out for anglers fishing from the shore in their home state - they don't need one. Anglers fishing from the shore or from a pier are free to fish, as long as they are a resident.
But, now the economic situation is hitting everywhere, and many states are considering a change to their rules. They now want to have even the shore bound anglers pay for a fishing license, and use the revenue to boost state coffers. What's you take on it?
Comments
Most state legislatures love downturns in the econemy so they can inact new tax legislation which will never be resended in good times. I think the idea of charging to fish from the shore or dock to anyone is outragous.
The folks in the know,got to keep something going.I use to enjoy going to parks@fishing.It has got to point you can not afford to go.If you do go there will be someone there to mess up your time.
I believe fishing licenses should apply to the commercial or re-sale fishers that profit. I would also support fees on Sportfishing for aid of law enforcement and offshore reefs and such. Open water fishing should remain free and if we need to increase funds for marine or environmental concerns, then let those funds be drawn from the STATE which have been paid by all taxpayers.
I am all for the license. In North Carolina we have already seen an improvement to our protection of the marshes and creel.
I still believe the enforcement officers should put the clamp on gill netting and gigging. They are suppose to have the same creel limit as rod and reel; if they do not have commerical license.
That has a big impact on fisheries too; but some people don’t look at it in that way.
There getting carried away with everything just set rules and if you get caught charge them for it pretty soon they will be charging us to breathe
I am 72 and retired and the only real enjoyment I get now is going fishing from the shore for stripers. In MA fresh water licenses are free after age 70. How will this affect me?
I live in Quincy Mass about 10-15 miles from Boston. Right now people in the metropolitan area fish free. I here Rumors that it will change soon. I;m all for it if there willing to pay Wild Life Management to stock the bay areas with my favorite fish like mackerel, striped bass, blue fish and other game fish I like. Other wise they can kiss my butt. I will protest. start a city wide petition against the idea unless they use the money for stocking fish and provide protective area for coral reefs to grow and encourage fish to populate and grow.
Fishing licenses, similar to hunting licenses would be exceptable…providing the funds are protected from diversion and USED ONLY to enhance fisheries, including spawning grounds, estuaries etc.
Any move to license shore bound fisherman whether it be surf or pier is totally unacceptable!
I think it would be terrible shame to see
the state start to do somthing as pety as charge people to fish in the same places
they have grown up, worked and taught there kids that some of the BEST things are FREE, like fishing on public beaches and piers. By charging a fee for fishing at these places
they would be taking heritage away from residents…
this is what were gonna do were gonna all mail becon hill a bucket of chum to your favorite patsy ass senator just keep doing it thell get the message if you dont have the guts to do this then get taxed you lemmings i cant believe that some of you actually think its a good idea if thats the case move to germany
When are we going to say enough with this federal government and their involvement in our lives? There is nothing in the constitution regulating fishing, gay marriage, abortion, health care or countless other issues the feds are involved with. They are states rights! State legislators are more than willing to fall into line if it means another tax going into the general fund. Its time for our representatives in every state capitol to stand up and say enough.
I hope we {senior} will get some concideation. I over 70 year old.
Florida has a saltwater lisence but it starts on the day you buy it and ends after one year. NY wants to start on January 1st till December 31st. If you buy one in November it is only good for one month. There is no discount! And I bet the money will not go back into the sport.
I’m not fishing recreational anymore.From now on when I step on the worlds ocean front I will be fishing for food and make sure I,m not having fun