Saltwater fishing license……Why or why not?

[MikeToole]

Because of the new federal regulation we are going to get a license whether we like it or not. If we had a New England coast wide license than I would be much more willing to support it. The biggest difference up here as compared to the gulf states is it is much more common for people to fish in 3 to 5 states. Knowing that the states are always looking for ways to get more money, especially from people who aren't in their voting district. I'm afraid of what the non-resident fees might be.

What we should be fighting for is a reciprocal agreement between the Northeast states where they accept each others license or at least allow you to buy a resident license, in each state, if you hold a license from your home state.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by MikeToole

What we should be fighting for is a reciprocal agreement between the Northeast states where they accept each others license or at least allow you to buy a resident license, in each state, if you hold a license from your home state.

A degree of reciprocity would be in order. I know they do it in a number of inland areas. Lots of people, particulary boaters, who launch in one state and fish another.

One of the other points to ponder is would you rather fish under federal or state mandate?
Remember there are some big,powerful, and well funded environmental lobbies at work. They frequently use the fed as a vehicle to further their agenda. Look at CCNS for example.
With the fed's impending actions it would make more sense to me that we get ahead of the curve and take the license in house on a local level=proactive.