Guv made right choice on saltwater fish fee
An angler makes his way down the Nissequogue River, Friday, in Smithtown. Credit: John Dunn
I applaud Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for his decision to do away with a saltwater fishing license for the next two years ["Fishermen off the hook for fee," News, March 24]. The federal government and New York State have done little for recreational saltwater anglers in their history. Maybe we are now seeing a change.
If you look at the record of New York State, it's always had a freshwater mentality in its approach and implementation of such programs.
I buy a freshwater license because the state has hatcheries, replenishes fish, and has freshwater educational programs and wonderful ramps. The same is true for hunting, but not for saltwater fishing. So why tax us, under the disguise of a license, and say that it's to help saltwater anglers? There are no comparable programs.
I'm glad to see those who purchased a lifetime license will get refunds. The state should now reimburse party boats, which pay $400 per vessel. Let's work together to find a program that will ensure the longtime health of our waters and establish parity between recreational and commercial fishermen.
Richard Johnson
East Atlantic Beach
Editor's note: The writer is host of thefishingline.com and serves on the Suffolk County Commercial and Recreational Fishing Economic Task Force.
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