On December 14 The New York State Supreme Court struck down the requirement for a $10 yearly saltwater fishing license.  This change only applies to the townships that were plaintiffs in the case: Southold, East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Brookhaven, Huntington and Oyster Bay.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which administers the licensing, plans to appeal the decision.

So what does this mean for recreational fishers on Long Island?  Angler's who are fishing within the waters of these towns do not need to carry the NYS DEC Recreational Marine License.  But, they will to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.  Registration is free, until January 1, 2011, when the fee will go to into effect and cost $15 annually.  The NY license annual cost $10.  If you have to NY license then you are automatically enrolled on the national registry and do not need to pay the $15.

So if you do fish in one seven towns that no longer requires the state license, you may want to get one anyway since it is $5 cheaper than the federal registry.

For more information check out these links

National Saltwater Angler Registry

NYS DEC Recreational Marine License FAQs

North Fork Patch: Saltwater Fishing License Repealed for Select Towns