Offshore fishing

[sailingharry]

Not sure if this is the right forum, but couldn't find a better. So here I am.


We are heading Down East from the Chesapeake (and back) this summer. Was going to be the Down East Circle, but COVID has all the borders closed. We'll still have fun.


I intend to try and catch some offshore fish. I trolled a line as a kid for a few thousand miles and never caught anything...but hope springs eternal.


So, here's the question. Since I was a kid, I think rules have changed. Licenses are rather universal. And I philosophically agree with licenses, especially for active fishermen (I have bit of a problem having to buy a license for a single day of casual fishing -- and so I generally don't fish). We will be transiting 9 states in total.


How do people handle licenses? Ignore them? How far out does a state lay claim -- if I'm 3 miles out, do I need one? Does anyone notice a sailboat with a line over the transom? Do I pick one or two states and not fish in the rest? Do I mail order 9 states worth of licenses before I leave? Do I need one for each of us (if the line is hanging of the transom, who needs a license?).



Like I said, I generally agree with license. But 9 states? And with my childhood track record, no fish?



My frustration is that I'll buy 9 licenses and fish less than a buddy of mine who will never leave the Annapolis area -- he'll fish all summer on one license (and fill his freezer and give even more away). My bang-for-buck is an issue... LOL.


Again, what do folks do trolling in US waters?

[sailingharry]

Well, I've done a bit of research to answer my own question. Or at least, enhance it.


License fees run from free (NY and NJ) to $22.50 (DE), and total to $89 for all 9 states. Some states (New England) allow reciprocity across about 4 or 5 (I forget) but it appears to apply only to resident licenses -- I can't get an MA license and fish ME, RI, and CT because I'm not a resident of MA.


It appears that the states only require a license out to 3 miles, but if I catch something, I need a license before I come inside 3 miles.


It appears that the Feds require two types of registration (that may or may not be included in state licenses) -- a general federal license, and one for "highly migratory fish" including Tuna. The Fed licenses I think are free.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by sailingharry

It appears that the states only require a license out to 3 miles, but if I catch something, I need a license before I come inside 3 miles.

Does that apply if you caught it while offshore from a different state?
Does that include fillets in your freezer?

[BillKny]

A lot of practical advice on fishing rules, and regulations:

https://thefishingsailor.com/rules-and-regulations/

Including a discussion about what to do about that fish in your freezer...