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Having been stationed with the Navy in alot of states that require a license to fish the salt, I have seen the Pro's and Con's. The biggest concern anywhere is where the money collected for the license will be utilized.
"Pro" if it will be used to improve the access points, Ramps and enforcement of recreational angling .
"Con" = it ends up in the general fund, the fishermen will never see a penny put into to recreational fisheries, enforcement etc.
I just left Virginia and they required a license, and by law, the money was soley used for the improvement and enforcement of recreational angling, You could buy a license for a boat and that license covered everybody fishing in the boat and the owner could go surf fishing and still be covered by the boats license. This helped the charter boat industry from having to increase their fees and adding on a 1 day license for each angler onboard.
Also the state owned boat ramps charged to launch a boat(Nice Facilities) but if you had a fishing license the fee was reduced. the jet skiers and pleasure boaters had to pay double to launch since they didn't contribute to the construction and maintenance of the Ramp.
It's coming, No doubt about it. One way or the other we all will be digging deeper into our wallets!!
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