State Bill Would Eliminate Fishing License Requirement

Florida anglers might finally be able to fish state waters without too many of those nagging wildlife officers chasing us around.

And while we're at it, how about cutting down funding to manage fish stocks and maintain boat ramps? Besides, it's a blast trying to put a boat in the water on a bumpy ramp. Really tests the moxie of our trailers.

Sen. Joe Negron (R-Stuart) introduced Senate Bill 744, which states: “ … a recreational freshwater fishing or recreational saltwater fishing license or permit is not required of any resident or nonresident to fish in this state.”

The bill would go into effect July 2011.

Perhaps this sounds convenient for some anglers. We can save money and avoid renewing licenses; there would be no hassle when officers interrupt a great redfish bite to ensure we are up to “snuff;” and besides, with all the tightening of regulations, why do we need to purchase licenses anyway?

There are many reasons to keep paying for state fishing licenses. Not only do licenses help pay for on-the-water law enforcement and Florida Fish & Wildlife fisheries research, the state's fishing license requirement prevents Florida anglers from paying federal registration fees for the National Saltwater Registry.

To which sector would you rather toss your money: Federal or state?

Seems the federal government would make out quite nicely with this bill. In addition to a federal registration fee, the removal of state fishing licenses would cut federal matching money for the Sport Fish Restoration Act.

Where to purchase fishing licenses near Westchase:

* Cody's Bait and Tackle: 9735 West Hillsborough Avenue, (813) 884-3100.  ‎

* Hillsborough County Tax Collector's Office: 6283 County Road 584, (813) 635-5200.‎