License needed for saltwater fishing

One of the most often asked questions on the fishing front this season concerns whether a saltwater fishing license is still required. The short answer is, yes.

Although New York State in March instituted a no-fee recreational marine fishing registry to replace the saltwater fishing license established in October 2009, anglers weren't able to sign up because the permit system wasn't ready. It is now, so starting immediately, anglers 16 and older must register before fishing in any of New York State's marine or brackish waters.

"There are a few exceptions, of course," said Jim Gilmore, director of the DEC's Marine Bureau in Setauket. "Anglers who fish only on open or charter boats do not need to register as those vessels carry a blanket license. Also, those who purchased a 2011 saltwater license or lifetime saltwater license have been automatically entered into the registry and should receive a refund from [the state] later this summer."

As for reciprocity with neighboring states, registered anglers can cross into Connecticut and Rhode Island border waters. To fish Garden State waters, however, requires New York anglers to enter the New Jersey saltwater registry and carry both New York and New Jersey permits as they fish. New York anglers who need to register can do so where fishing licenses are sold, at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html, or by calling 86-NY-DECALS (866-933-2257). To sign up on the New Jersey saltwater registry, visit saltwaterregistry.nj.gov. Fines for failing to register in New York run up to $250.

Based on the improving bass, bluefish and fluke action over the past week, now would be a good time to comply with the registry and get some lines in the water. Fluking continues to build, especially at Greenport and Montauk where many 4- to 6-pound fish have hit the deck, along with several 10- to 11-pounders. Bluefish have also invaded Greenport Harbor and the Peconics.

Striper action is coming to life with solid reports of schoolies and keepers inside Great South, Moriches and Shinnecock bays, plus the western Long Island Sound harbors.

Mark Keller at Bay Park Fishing Station said action with big West End stripers busted loose in 40-foot depths outside of Debs Inlet on Wednesday. "The boats Fighting Irish and Nansea hammered stripers to 23 pounds on diamond and butterfly jigs," he said. Keller also weighed the first tuna of the season, a 79-pounder caught on the west side of Hudson Canyon.

The improving West End action should encourage anglers entering Captain Kayak's Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament, which runs Friday through Sunday. Pay the $100 entry fee at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn and catch the details at www.captainkayak.com/tournaments.html.

Lastly, congratulations to Fred Golofaro, senior editor at The Fisherman Magazine. The East Islip resident was recently inducted into the NYS Outdoorsman Hall Of Fame in recognition of his lifetime achievements to support and advance recreational fishing.

Golofaro has been at the forefront of fishing education, youth programs, conservation issues and the never-ending battle for improved fishing access.

Email: outdoortom

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