North Carolina mulling saltwater fishing fees

[Superfly]

As many DUers who fish in the mid-Atlantic states know, currently there is no requirement to purchase a saltwater fishing license. I am not sure how many states are this way, a short googling could probably answer that question, but it surprised me that the state did not have a license requirement.

So, now the NC General Assembly is attempting to push the idea of having fisherpeople pay to fish the salt.

I think a $10 fee would be a great idea, IF the proceeds of the fees collected goes to enhancing:

1) Saltwater game habitats
2) Saltwater law enforcement
3) Public access (new boat ramps, fishing piers, etc.)
4) Saltwater game species research

I would not support this if the money goes to any other cause outside the scope of marine fisheries and game management.

The current concerns in NC are about the misappropriation of funds. Currently, no funds are earmarked for marine law enforcement enhanceent. I've hunted and fished all over the US, and the one thing that most states need is MORE law enforcement officers/game wardens.

What's everybody think?

Brian

[Superfly]

1. Newspaper story

Couldn't find the link, but this is from Raleigh's newspaper:
-------------------------------------------------

NEWS-TIMES

RALEIGH – Despite substantial changes approved Wednesday by the state House of Representative Finance Committee, the N.C. Fisheries Association still opposes a proposed saltwater recreational fishing license.

<snip>

But Jerry Schill, president of the New Bern-based fisheries association....<snip>

“It’s a fine line,” Mr. Schill said Friday. “If you’re going to have this license, of course you want to make the bill as good as you can. But we still oppose it, because we don’t think it’s needed.”

One remaining problem, Mr. Schill said, is an exemption that would allow people 62 or older to fish free.

“Jeez, that’s when most people go fishing,” he said. “They retire and that’s when they have time to go.

“If you really want this license in order to gather data – and that’s one of the main things everyone says it’s for – than why would you want to exempt all of those people?”

<snip>

... Billy Byrd, president of the North Carolina chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association, a recreational fishermen’s organization, said it wouldn’t make sense to have the license without also hiring additional Marine Patrol officers to help enforce its provisions.

Pres Pate, director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, agreed, arguing that it would be “illogical” to enact such a sweeping bill without providing funds to ensure enforcement, especially when many people think the Marine Patrol is underfunded and understaffed.

But no matter what, Mr. Schill said, his association remains opposed to the bill because it is simply “another tax” that is not needed.

<snip>

[Ekaterina]

16. caught my eye

because I have been surf-fishing for years in Hatteras (with my semi-annual fall trip already planned for this year) so I was immediately interested in your post......

I guess I am of two minds: if $$ is needed for better marine enforcement and conservation services and the fishing license $$ would be earmarked ESPECIALLY for that, then I would support it.
If not, what would be the point? If they DO decide on a license I hope they don't make it exorbitant. I mean, VA already set up their stupid little toll on the way to the OBX and tacking another fee on would be more pinch in the pocket.

As for MORE law enforcement on the mountains and the beaches? I dunno. Depends on what they're doing. If they are harrassing folks for piddling and middling stuff (and I have seen them doing that) then I would say no. If they are actually pursuing serious infractions that we would all like to ended, then that would be a good thing.

[Superfly]

2. I guess I'll just have a conversation by myself....

I think this fee idea is great!

[Superfly]

3. What?!? You're crazy!

Nobody should have to pay to fish

[Superfly]

4. You're off your rocker

This fee could really benefit the marine fisheries of North Carolina

[Superfly]

5. Oh yeah? Well I think your idea's stupid

so there!

[Superfly]

6. I know where you live

you don't want me to come over and "discuss" this issue with you, do you?

[Superfly]

7. I dare you!

Bring it on, sucker!

[Superfly]

8. Give me 5 minutes....I'm hungry for some lunch

I need to make a sandwich before I kick your ass

[Superfly]

9. Yeah, me too.

Rueben or BLT?

[Superfly]

10. .

.

[Superfly]

11. .

.

[msmcghee]

12. Hey Superfly

I'll agree with you on that. I was planning to head your way this winter as I have a friend in NC who plays bluegrass and I also love to flyfish in the salt. Estuaries mainly, redfish, specks, etc. I hear your striped bass fishing has really improved a lot.

If I came in March what could I fish for?

[Superfly]

13. March is perfect for stripers

If you want, we can meet up and I'll show you around. I, too am a saltwater fly fisherman.

Right now red drum, sea trout, cobia, mackerel, etc are heating up. Pamlico sound is great for drum and trout and the surf is great for cobia and mackerel.

I'm in VA Beach, so the OBX is only 1 hour away. PM me when it gets close to fishing time and we can hook up!

Brian

[terryg11]

14. I agree Jimmy Snooka

I like the idea of this fee as long as it's used only to regulate/maintain what people are paying to use. Unfortunately, I don't know of too many legislatures that can keep their hands off of a new bounty


Jimmy Snooka is in refernce to the wwf superstar of the early eighties Superfly Jimmy Snooka I think his name was


One other question, would this be the first such law, having people pay for the rights to fish in the ocean? Where would the NC boundary end?

[Superfly]

15. 3 miles offshore

that's when federal laws apply exclusively.