What is a Marine Waters Fishing License (MWFL) and who is required to have one? The Marine Waters Fishing License (also known as a Saltwater Fishing License) is an annual sport fishing license issued on a calendar year basis. Anyone age 16 or older, fishing (taking or attempting to take fish or bait species) from shore or from a boat in the marine district of this state or landing marine fish or bait species in Connecticut taken from offshore waters is required to have one.
EnCon Police Moderator
Registered: 03/01/04
Posts: 3899
Originally Posted By: MyGirl
Is that too much to ask from a state or state employee that seems to be more interested in your fee than explaining it to you?
Excuse me for not answering your posts on my days off, I was wasting time by spending it with my family over the holiday weekend rather than worrying about what hypothetical questions you want answered. I volunteer to answer questions on this site, I don't do it as an assignment. I answer the questions posted when I have time to do so, I do not sit in front of the computer 24/7. Further, I (and my entire division) do not write the laws or establish fees for licenses. Those are determined by legislators that YOU elect. If you don't like the laws or the fees related to fishing then I recommend you contact your state legislator and let them know how you feel.
StarkC69
SABOD
Registered: 04/12/09
Posts: 4067
Loc: Hampden, MA
Originally Posted By: EnCon Police
Originally Posted By: MyGirl
Is that too much to ask from a state or state employee that seems to be more interested in your fee than explaining it to you?
Excuse me for not answering your posts on my days off, I was wasting time by spending it with my family over the holiday weekend rather than worrying about what hypothetical questions you want answered. I volunteer to answer questions on this site, I don't do it as an assignment. I answer the questions posted when I have time to do so, I do not sit in front of the computer 24/7. Further, I (and my entire division) do not write the laws or establish fees for licenses. Those are determined by legislators that YOU elect. If you don't like the laws or the fees related to fishing then I recommend you contact your state legislator and let them know how you feel.
Captain Camejo - I do, as well as most on this site, appreciate you taking your time to answer our questions. I'm sure MyGirl does as well, but as you surely know, the variety of laws from different states over a common body of water and fishery can be frustrating to say the least. I assume most realize you don't make the laws and your resources are limited to enforce them. Once again, thanks for taking the time to provide some clarity to a very confusing issue.
Here's my question to you: I am a Massachusetts resident and have purchased a NY Non-Resident Marine License (prior to the recent license requirement changes in NY). I did this last year as well since it provided greater water coverage for fishing CT and NY waters than the CT Non-Resident marine license did alone. Does this still hold true or do I require a CT Non-Resident Marine license as well?
Thanks for your time,
Craig
. Team Stark Stronger Team Three Belles Team Masshole . FUKINNAUTICALSICKCRAZYMOTHERBADASS
EnCon Police Moderator
Registered: 03/01/04
Posts: 3899
I can't answer questions about other state's laws. Anyone who has a question about what NY, RI, Mass or any other state will do needs to contact them.
As far as fishing in CT's waters with the Federal Registry, the way the regulation was written, the answer is No, you can't do it. If NY doesn't have their saltwater license but relies on the Federal Registry, CT doesn't recognize it for reciprocity. I don't know why....
If I enroll in the federal registry can I fish in Connecticut's marine waters? No. Anglers must either have a valid CT, RI or NY marine fishing license to fish in Connecticut's marine waters. NOTE - this was published prior to NY dropping their saltwater license, so now only the RI and Mass saltwater license holders can fish in CT salt water.
Can I fish in federal waters or in another state’s waters with a Connecticut Marine Waters Fishing License?
Federal waters: Yes. CT MWFL holders will be exempt from the federal registry requirement.
New York: Yes, but only in the waters of Long Island Sound lying between NY and CT (this line has not yet been precisely defined by NY). This may have changed - you need to check with NY to see if they will accept CT's license.
RI: Yes.
NH: Yes in 2010. NO effective January 1, 2011 when NH implements a state Marine Fishing License requirement. There is no reciprocity with CT.
MA: Yes. Based on information provided on the MA DMF web site on October 19, 2010, CT licensed anglers will have full reciprocal fishing privileges in 2011.
OTHER States: No, UNLESS that state does not have a marine or saltwater fishing license requirement. In such cases a valid MWFL (Marine Waters Fishing License) from Connecticut (or any other exempt state) will satisfy the federal registry requirement.
ME: Yes in 2010. NO Effective January 1, 2011 when Maine adopts a state saltwater registry requirement.
Can I fish in Connecticut's marine waters if I hold a marine fishing license in another state? Yes. Under a reciprocity agreement with Rhode Island and New York, anglers holding a valid resident or non-resident marine fishing license in either of these states may fish in the marine district and land marine fish in this state (CT). Note that Connecticut residents must hold a valid Connecticut marine waters fishing license.
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