December 16, seven Long Island towns went to court to fight the New York saltwater fishing license that was put into effect by the DEC in October of 2009 which required anglers over the age of 16 to purchase a fishing license to fish coastal waters. The towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Brookhaven, Southold, Huntington and Oyster Bay fought the law claiming that it conflicted with the towns right to regulate it’s own waters.
The License was put in place so that the federal government can keep records of anglers within the state. New Jersey is working to create a free angler registry that anglers will give their information to so that they will not need to purchase a fishing license.
“ This license was only put to gain publicity of a lost cause. The strict fluke regulations have been overcome by the local avid anglers. I have not personally seen anyone enforcing these new licenses, but that doesnt mean they wont be cracking down next year. But when will that be taken as a serious restriction to the future of our fishery?” Says local south shore fisherman Giacomo Albanese.
I contacted the DEC for a statement regarding the lawsuit, but they would not go into any detail since they are currently preparing an appeal.
Professional angler Paul Michele had this to say “Registration is fine but simple fact is the government will continue pushing for a license as long as it is a possible revenue source. I would agree that there should be a law attached stating where that money is going back to the resource, as in many states it is not. RFA, a great organization, does not have all anglers involved so the data of how many anglers exist doesn’t trickle down to what we bring to the economy. Give government their money and also have a solid data source for future regulation battle is a win in my book. So either go with saltwater license or spend the $50 and join RFA.”
Something that makes the license an issue for me is that a license will shy people away from fishing, now they see it as one more fun and enjoyable thing to do that you have to pay for. What do I do if I call a few friends and tell them to come fishing, now they need to find their nearest tackle shop to go get a one day license? It becomes such an inconvenience to try and introduce new people to the sport.
Kyle OndreySenior Writer/Director of Marketing - Northeast Angling
