Rhode Island’s new saltwater fishing license will be available by April 15, said John M. Lake, a principal biologist with the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM). He was one of the agency’s representatives at the Northeast Saltwater Fishing Show in Providence last week.
There is so much misinformation about the new license that we asked state fishing authorities from Rhode Island and Massachusetts to explain the new requirements.
Rhode Island’s new license will cost $7 for state residents, and $10 for non-residents, and it will be valid for 2010. A seven-day license will cost $5, Lake said.
The license will be available online and at bait-and-tackle shops that have the ability to go online for you.
Connecticut and Massachusetts will honor Rhode Island’s license.
Residents of Massachusetts will need a federal permit to fish the Bay State this season, said Paul Caruso, a senior marine fisheries biologist in Massachusetts. The federal permit is free for Massachusetts residents this year.
Next year, Massachusetts will have its own state saltwater fishing license.
Rhode Island will honor the federal permit this season, and the Massachusetts permit next season.
Who needs a saltwater license? Anyone fishing for anadromous fish, such as striped bass, white perch and sea-run trout, in tidal waters. And anyone fishing for any fish in federal waters.
Anglers are exempt from buying a saltwater license if they are under 16 years old; are fishing on licensed charter or party boats; hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit or are commercially fishing with a valid license.
“The first year will be a period of education,” said Mark Sanders, a Rhode Island environment police officer who attended the show for the DEM. He said officers will use “discretion and education” in enforcing the new license law this season.
The new saltwater-fishing permits are like the Harvest Information Permits (HIP cards) that hunters of migratory birds must have. HIP cards and the saltwater licenses give fish and wildlife managers the ability to contact hunters and fishermen directly to see what they are shooting and catching.
With better information, regulators believe that they will be able to make better decisions about regulations.
Buckeyes arrived in Rhode Island last week, so striped bass cannot be far behind, said the DEM’s Ray Jobin.
Watch this column and HotBytes on projo.com for information about obtaining a license to catch those stripers.
Stocking up on trout
The state Depart of Environmental Management has begun stocking about 100 streams and ponds for Opening Day of trout season, April 10.
In addition to the six regular ponds that are restricted to children 14 years of age and younger, Cass Pond in Woonsocket and Slater Park Pond in Pawtucket will be open for children only for the first two days of the fishing season. A fishing derby for children in Woonsocket is being held at Cass Pond on Saturday, April 10.
A 2010 fishing license is required for anglers15 years old and older who fish for trout. A Trout Conservation Stamp is also required for anyone who keeps a trout or fishes in a catch-and-release or “fly-fishing only” Fishing licenses are available now, and the $5.50 trout stamp will be available at the end of March, according to a DEM spokeswoman. Both can be obtained at any city or town clerk’s office or authorized agent such as bait and tackle shops and Benny’s.
License fees remain at $18 for Rhode Island residents and current members of the Armed Forces, $33 for a combination hunting and fishing license, $35 for non-residents, and $16 for a tourist three-consecutive-day license. Anglers over 65 must have a license, which is free, but do not need a trout stamp. The license is also free for anyone with a 100 percent disability.
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