[Les]

I'm aware that fishing areas of the bay in Virginia requires a saltwater fishing license... either held by the individual, the boat, or the pier. I've picked up somewhere on this board that the City of Virginia Beach might be thinking of adding their own "permit" to fish within the City (hope I'm mistaken on that one as it may be illegal for them to do so and its probably a rumor anyway)

North Carolina has been flirting with a saltwater fishing license for several years, and may be closer now than ever.

I am confused as to how I actually feel about the saltwater license requirement in Va. As a Va. resident, I already have purchased a Virginia fishing license, so why should I then have to purchase a saltwater license? I may feel more receptive if I knew what the saltwater license monies were used for. As it now stands, I think that the State just found another way to tax me.

So. some of you guys on here who also live in Tidewater (I live in the Piedmont) may be able to educate me. How about it?

Les

 

[Richmond Medic]

I think they use the money for saltwater fisheries management. at least thats what i was told. i think its a good idea to charge for the liscense. if they didnt i think they would not get enough funds to support the fisheries.

 

[Digger]

The monies go back to the resourse.
Here is the Link to the info.
http://www.mrc.state.va.us/vsrfdf/index.htm

 

[Mummichog]

Don't forget that there are two different commissions that monitor the waters. VGDIF for fresh waters, VMRC for salt.

IMO: Frankly, I have no problem with a license for both. Although I think they should offer you a discuont if you buy both. I think the licenses are a steal considering what it allows you to do...and the fish management, conservation it buys. I would gladly pay $25-50 for either licenses. If you figure what you spend on other things...such as tackle, beer, cable tv, gas, etc. how many other things provide so much return as those licenses.

 

[skunked]

Mummichog your're right. Best bargin out there. I mean it's what $22 dollars for both? You can't beat that. I would very much support an increase if the money was used to support the fishereys(sp). In an case it is cheap insurance, I rather imagine a ticket for no lic. is more than $22. Heck I can't even fill my tank for $22!

 

[Les]

Thanks, guys. I wanted to respond again so that you would know that I didn't just post something and then didn't read the responses.

I still remember Governor Wilder raiding the (then) Commission funds to support other areas of State Goverment. I can imagine how tempting the revenue for license fees must be considering the current fiscal circumstances. If the revenue is indeed used as all of you say, then I certainly won't complain about the license requirement. I do agree that some "discount", or even a "do both" license would be handy.

In the mean time, it would probably be smart to pay special attention, and ensure that these monies aren't pilferred and used for something else.

 

[ccc6588]

I don't mind paying for the license and I also agree there should be a combined fresh/saltwater license.

I also hope that they would use some of that money for us shore fishermen. The public access for shore fishing is shrinking each year. I would gradly pay more if they devote more money for public access for us shore guys.

I went fishing in Florida last year at St. Sebastian Inlet which is a State Park. You would not believe how well laid out that place is for the shore fishermen. They have surf, jetty, piers, bridges. The place was so well laid out takin the fishermen right where a fishermen would want to be. I would say a shore fisherman had to design the place.

If you ever want to fish in Florida, check this place out. I went around Thanksgiving time. In the fall they have huge flounders, snook, speckled trout, red drum, black drum, blue fish, pampanos, groupers, spanish macks and even saltwater catfish (these are like our toad fish, except some say the sail catfish is good to eat). Snook is like stripers on steroids and one of the most delicious fish I've ever had. In the inlet, you do get hung up a lot.

Virginia authorities could learn a lot from the Floridians.
For example, why dont they build a pier and in certain areas of the pier put some darn structures. They sure like to make structures for the boaters, but never think about us shore fishermen.

While I am on this tirade, why don't the CBBT authorities build some access for the other islands for fishermen only. I am not talking about a full fledged pier which I know would be expensive, but I know they had to have some excess materials after the other bridge was built. Why not use it for some rock jetties, etc. Hell, I would pay 25$ to get a way from the tourists. I fish there during the summer in the day and even in the fall I get annoyed at most of the tourists.

Sounds like I need a boat.

 

[PlankCaster]

I have no problem paying for the saltwater license as long as the funds are used to improve the saltwater environment. I mean heck I've already got the freshwater license and trout and nationol forest permits as well. As long as the money is benifiting the outdoors I dont mind. Just my opinion.
Tight lines and popped riggers

 

[Les]

I don't know, guys! I've just been over on the Red Drum board, and there's lots of talk about the SW license for N.C. over there. The majority seem to want it. However, there is one faction that wants to charge out of state visitors, aka "tourists", "tourons", etc. a lot more for the SW license than the $10 now purposed for residents. I guess some lose sight of the fact that out of state visitors of all sorts (including fishermen) keep the lights on in many of those coastal N.C. towns. Even at the purposed cost of $10, that means an extra expense for me, since I'd be compelled to pay for family members. It just never seems to end!$$$$$

 

[Surf and Turf]

Perhaps VA and NC will honor reciprocating licenses since there is a steady stream going back and forth across the boarder. Seems it would really be difficult to enforce with a boat fisherman as I could catch fish in VA and pass through NC waters searching.

How do you suppose they would handle that?

 

[OldBay]

Reciprocity

I know this is all hypothetical but...

If NC honors a VA salt water license and
VA honors an MD saltwater license then do you think
NC would honor an MD saltwater license?

If not the VA license would be the one to buy.

 

[Richmond Medic]

i think va and nc honor each other in some areas. like buggs island. if you dave a va liscense and are in the nc side if the lake, they honor it if you are stopped. seems to me like they could do the same for salt water.

p.s ....... any of yall ever fished or know someone that has fished niche charters? they fish 3 to a boat for $350 half day and $150 half night. i wanna do the night fishin thing. just wondering if anyone has tried them.

 

[Topsailbum]

one liscense needs to cover it all just increase the yearly fee by 5 or 10 bucks. i agree i dont agree either but if they gonna do it ................