Fishermen Catch A Break

Enjoying the great outdoors just got a little cheaper and easier if you like to fish.

New York State has scrapped its Marine Saltwater Fishing License, and has even ordered refunds for people who bought a lifetime recreational marine fishing license.

Clarkstown Town Clerk Justin Sweet said the state Department of Environmental Conservation has authorized his office and town clerk’s throughout the state to suspend the sale of a Marine Saltwater Fishing License. The license will be replaced with a free registry, which the Department of Environmental Conservations says is being developed and should be available mid-June.

Until the free registry is developed, saltwater anglers may fish without a license and without registering with the DEC. However, freshwater fishing licenses are still required.

“The elimination of this fee represents one of many ways the state Legislature can ease the burden on residents in New York State during these trying economic times,” Sweet said.

The marine license was eliminated through legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 31.

The changed covers the marine district of New York, including fishing for migratory fish from the sea – such as striped bass — on the Hudson River below the Troy Dam.

For more information, check out DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov or call the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.