Connecticut DEP Announces Saltwater Fishing License Now Required in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that a saltwater fishing license, now required by state law to fish in Long Island Sound, can be conveniently purchased online through the DEP Web site.

The licenses – $10 for residents and $15 for non residents – are available at DEP’s Sportsmen’s Licensing System at www.ct.gov/dep. They can also be purchased at the offices of most town clerks and at many retail outlets and bait and tackle shops.

Lawmakers authorized the marine fishing license during the 2009 General Assembly Session. Funds generated by the new law, which was signed July 1 by Governor Rell, will be used for conservation and preservation programs in the state.

DEP Acting Commissioner Amey Marrella said, "The new saltwater fishing license will provide us with information we need to better manage our fisheries and coastal resources. The Connecticut program will also exempt residents from a federal program that would have required our anglers to register with and pay a fee to the federal government. It makes much more sense for us to gather information about our own anglers and to keep license fees in Connecticut."

The requirement for the marine fish license goes into effect immediately and DEP Environmental Conservation Police will begin checking for licenses immediately; however the DEP’s initial focus will be on public education and awareness.

Provisions of the new marine fishing license include:

A cost of $10 for residents and $15 for out-of-state visitors,
Required for anyone 16 years of age or older,
Free for anyone 65 years of age or older but must still be obtained annually
Reciprocal to marine fishing licenses issued by New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine provided that state offers the same privilege to holders of a Connecticut Marine Waters Fishing License.

Exceptions including:

People rowing a boat or operating the motor of a boat from which other persons are taking or attempting to take fish,
Anyone fishing as a passenger on a registered party, charter, or head boat registered in Connecticut that is operating solely in the marine district,
State residents participating in a fishing derby that the DEP Commissioner has authorized in writing as long as no fees are charged for the derby, it lasts one day or less, and it is sponsored by a nonprofit civic service organization (these organizations are limited to one derby in any calendar year.

BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors
www.backwoodssportsman.com