Jul 30, 2009 10:33 am US/Eastern
State Hooks Salt Water Fishing Folks With New Fee
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
Starting this Saturday fishing off a seawall, jetty, or from the beach is going to cost you.
Beginning August 1st, Florida residents will be required to have a shoreline fishing license before they drop a line in saltwater. Special shoreline fishing licenses can be purchased at most fishing and hunting stores for $9. Florida residents who fish from a boat are required to have a regular saltwater fishing license which sells for $17. Residents who are age 65 or older and children under age 16 may fish without a license. Active-duty military personnel may fish without a license while home on leave in Florida. Also, anyone fishing in their home county using live or natural bait, on a line or pole without a line-retrieval mechanism is also exempt. This exemption does not apply to anglers who use nets, traps, gigs, spears or who gather seafood by hand or any type of gear other than hook and line.
Licensed fishing piers have licenses that cover everyone who fishes from them.
Previously, Florida required only out-of-state anglers to get a shoreline license. Nonresident anglers need a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license to fish from shore or from a vessel. Short-term and annual nonresident fishing licenses cost between $17 and $47. Additional fees may apply, depending on where the angler purchases the license.
The new license will exempt Florida from a pricier federal license requirement going into effect January 1st, 2010.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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