LICENSE

Question
I WAS WONDERING IF YOU NEED TO HAVE A FISHING LICENSE IF YOU PLAN TO FISH OF YOUR KAYAK IN THE OCEAN.  

Answer
Hi Zach;

 You do not say in which state you intend to fish.  The requiement of a fishing license for salt water is detemined by each state.  Some do, some do not.  If a state requires a fishing license to fish in salt water, it does not matter if you do that from shore, a pier, bridge, small private boat or large charter or party boat.  The latter two sometimes have special licenses that allow passengers to fish without a separate license.  But if you are fishing in a state that requieres a salt water license, your kayak is no different than any other boat for that purpose.  This is a general answer and depends upon the specific rules of the state where you intend to fish.  To further complicate the matter, even local jurisdictions like counties or towns may have specific rules for fishing licenses.  Off hand, I do not know of any, but I do know that where I live there is no salt water fishing license, but the local town ordinances do require a license for shellfish such as clams and oysters.  You will have to check with the local authorites where you intend fishing.

-Rich