Don't forget to register with the Feds.....

[B-Faithful]

Originally Posted by heimdall

I must admit that I have mixed feelings on this.

On the one hand it should produce more truthful data to manage fisheries with.

On the other hand it is a set up for lotteries and catch shares for recreational fishermen. The catch shares part would mean, the rich will fish and the average guy will play golf.

Agreed. I am not sure how to fully take this. I understand the need for the collection of better data. However I fear catch shares and believe it will greatly weaken recreational fishing politically and economically as it may deter many from participating if they make only a couple of trips a year.

[drichitt]

Originally Posted by B-Faithful

Agreed. I am not sure how to fully take this. I understand the need for the collection of better data. However I fear catch shares and believe it will greatly weaken recreational fishing politically and economically as it may deter many from participating if they make only a couple of trips a year.

But won't it be better than the data being collected by MRFSS?

[B-Faithful]

As I stated, we need better data collection. MRFSS is a disaster and was never intended for how it is being used. However, the way I am reading this new registration program is that every angler on the boat will need to be registered seperately. So, if I am to take a buddy fishing once a year, he will be obligated to purchase a FIN to fish one day on my boat. My bet is that most people in that situation will for go the day of fishing as not worth the hassle. This will greatly weaken the economic and political impact of the recreational fishing.

[garlien]

U can register before....

I don't see why they cant get all of our information from the databases that contain the information when we sign up for our state licenses...

It was easy enough, but sooner or later I think they are going to make us sign up with the Dept of Justice, Dept of Homeland Security, AARP, YMCA, NASA, etc.....

[Lone Ranger]

Did mine,Not happy about Paying for another "Fee" next year though!!!!

[fishinhooks]

I agree with Greg that this is an onerous requirement for folks who go out on someone's boat once a year. If anything, I think that the boat owner should register and keep track of the catch on their boat. But for everyone to register is overkill and another government intrusion into our lives. BTW, what is the fine for not have one of these licenses?

[Ralph]

Originally Posted by drichitt

But won't it be better than the data being collected by MRFSS?

Nope, data will be no better than what is produced now - there is no required reporting of catch data - just a requirement to give your name, address, and phone number (and pay another fee next year). Just another government BS program.

[crabby and son]

Originally Posted by Ralph

Nope, data will be no better than what is produced now - there is no required reporting of catch data - just a requirement to give your name, address, and phone number (and pay another fee next year). Just another government BS program.

I agree with that. There is no way to enforce this reporting as there is no way to enforce the checking of deer in MD anymore. Just another fee.

[drichitt]

Originally Posted by crabby and son

I agree with that. There is no way to enforce this reporting as there is no way to enforce the checking of deer in MD anymore. Just another fee.

Will there really be another fee? If MD gets it's act together and the MD legislature approves it, MD license holders will be exempted from having to pay the additional fee (I think). Not sure of all of the details, but I would assume everyone would need to register with MD (as part of obtaining a MD fishing license) and then MD would submit the info to NOAA. Currently the problem is those who fish in the ocean don't have to have a MD fishing license when fishing in MD waters; have to figure out how to get the ocean anglers in the new system.

[Fish Nut]

Originally Posted by drichitt

Will there really be another fee? If MD gets it's act together and the MD legislature approves it, MD license holders will be exempted from having to pay the additional fee (I think). Not sure of all of the details, but I would assume everyone would need to register with MD (as part of obtaining a MD fishing license) and then MD would submit the info to NOAA. Currently the problem is those who fish in the ocean don't have to have a MD fishing license when fishing in MD waters; have to figure out how to get the ocean anglers in the new system.

Don, The people fishing OC will more than likely have to have a license in 2011. This is just my opinion, but I have heard the idea thrown around. OC is not happy with requiring licenses in OC since a portion of the people fishing are just weekly tourist. I think people are also scared of giving Maryland an excuse to implement a fee. The registration is going to cost us next year if Maryland doesn’t comply. I can see some in political power using this to grab some more money. Honestly, I love the ease of the boating sticker. The easiest way to achieve compliance with the feds and use the Maryland licensing as a data collection system would be to eliminate the boat sticker. This would require all fishermen buy a saltwater license and submit there info. Unfortunately, I think this would also require land owners to purchase a license for fishing off of there private pier.

Catch Shares are bad news. The person with the most money gets all the shares.