Fishing Forum

Full Version: NY DEC Reminds Anglers of Recreational Marine License Requirement
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As striped bass are beginning their run up the Hudson River, State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today reminded New York anglers that their recreational marine fishing license initiated in October 2009 is required when fishing for this sport fish and other migratory fish of the sea. Anglers are also reminded that in an effort to restore dwindling stocks, the recreational and commercial fisheries for American Shad have been closed.

A recreational marine fishing license is required for anglers (16 years of age and older) when fishing in the waters and along the shores of the marine and coastal district and when fishing for "migratory fish of the sea" species in the waters and along the shores of the Hudson River, Delaware River, or Mohawk River and their tributaries (exemptions can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html ).

Depending on the specific location of the Hudson River fishing activities, and/or the specific species fished for, an angler may need to have a recreational marine fishing license, a freshwater fishing license or both licenses:

1. If you are fishing downstream from the Tappan Zee Bridge, you are considered fishing in the marine and coastal district and will need to have a recreational marine fishing license - regardless of species of fish you are fishing for.

2. If you are fishing upstream from the Tappan Zee Bridge and are fishing for non-migratory fish (such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, carp, walleye, and perch) only, you need to have a freshwater fishing license.

3. If you are fishing upstream from the Tappan Zee Bridge and are fishing for "migratory fish from the sea" (such as striped bass, hickory shad, blueback herring, or alewife) only, you need to have a recreational marine fishing license.

4. If you are fishing upstream from the Tappan Zee Bridge and are fishing for migratory fish from the sea and non-migratory fish, you need both a recreational marine fishing license and a freshwater fishing license.

Annual, 7-day, 1-day and lifetime recreational marine fishing licenses and freshwater fishing licenses are available through license issuing agents across the state and via internet sale. To find the nearest license issuing agent or make a purchase online visit (http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html).

Anglers should also be aware that the possession of a lifetime fishing license or lifetime sportsman license does not provide these license holders the legal privilege to fish for migratory fish of the sea or to fish in the marine and coastal district.

Two separate lifetime licenses are available to cover fishing in the marine and coastal district and "migratory fish of the sea" (such as striped bass, blueback herring, alewife) fishing activities:

1. Lifetime recreational marine fishing license - covers resident anglers fishing in the marine and coastal district and for "migratory fish of the sea" species only.

2. Lifetime combination freshwater and recreational marine fishing license - covers resident anglers fishing for all fish (marine, "migratory fish of the sea" and freshwater) species.

A Recreational Marine Fishing Regulations Guide is also available to view online by clicking on the following link http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_p...elic09.pdf . You may print this document, but before sending to the printer make sure to set the appropriate printer settings: Go to File and select Print..., under Page Handling select "Booklet Printing" in the drop down menu next to Page Scaling and select OK.

A Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guides is also available online and can be viewed by visiting the following link http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_p...uide09.pdf. Please note that the information on which license is needed to fish the Hudson River (found on page 12) is incorrect. The correct information is presented above.

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