New York State Withdraws 2024 Saltwater Fishing License Application - New York Angler Breaking News!

george

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Thanks to a united front of recreational anglers, New York State has decided not to pursue the reintroduction of a saltwater fishing license in its 2024 budget. This decision follows significant public backlash against the proposal, which was reinitiated by regulatory bodies earlier this year. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), when questioned by Newsday, confirmed that Governor Kathy Hochul's upcoming budget will exclude this contentious plan. Originally, the proposal aimed to impose a minimum annual fee of $10 on saltwater anglers, intended to finance various fishing-related projects including the construction of reefs and piers, enhanced law enforcement, and improved communication methods.

Despite the current halt, the DEC continues to explore the possibility of a marine fishing license structure for the state, though they have clarified that it will not be a part of the forthcoming budget cycle. Assemblymember Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor) noted that while the issue seems resolved for 2024, vigilance is necessary as the DEC may still be inclined to introduce this requirement in the future. Thiele's office received a substantial number of complaints from constituents strongly opposing the plan.

A recent survey conducted by the DEC revealed that 56% of participants were against reviving the saltwater fishing license. Additionally, an informal poll among 18 bait-and-tackle shops unanimously showed disapproval of the proposal.

The history of the saltwater fishing license in New York has been tumultuous. Although the DEC instituted such a license in 2009, it was revoked in 2011 due to widespread disapproval, led by an act of the State Legislature. Since then, the DEC has maintained a no-fee registry for saltwater anglers. However, they have expressed concerns that the nearly 400,000 registered individuals may not accurately represent the up to 1 million saltwater anglers estimated by the federal government. It is noteworthy that the DEC already mandates a license for freshwater fishing in the state.
 
She'll just have to steal our money the traditional way, but with one less pot to thieve. I had wondered how the witch was going to get around that east end centuries old covenant.
Today is a day of celebration for me and all those who oppose the license. Our collective efforts have successfully garnered the support of numerous Long Island politicians, including Senators Dean Murray, Anthony Palumbo, and Fred Theil, as well as the entire Riverhead Board of elected officials and the entire Long Island delegation. We are immensely grateful to Lee Zeldin for his pivotal role in raising awareness about this issue.

While there may be numerous individuals merely expressing their concerns from behind a keyboard in the sportfishing circuit, we at nyangler.com take action to effect change. Our members and users foresaw this development the moment Cuomo was removed from office. Together, we have made a significant impact, and with the help of my close friends, we have effectively halted this issue in its tracks.

Today is an exhilarating day for me, as I harbored doubts about our ability to achieve this outcome. Although it is likely that this issue will resurface, and we will have to resume our fight, today is a day to relish and take pride in our success.
 
Just admitted to SWMBO that "she" had also voted no, lol. (If it weren't for Albany and NYC politics not sure if I would not have been somewhat conflicted. But in this state ? Hah!)
 
I have to wonder IF the thing that scared Albany the most was the fact that everyone who "was in favor" demanded the monies go directly to DEC? I'm guessing that was a big negative for the money grabbers?

Regardless, a "W" is a "W" in any situation...
 
@roccus, I'm honestly surprised we had 56% against it. The way they set up the survey, it seemed like they were fishing for a yes. It's like they were saying, "Okay, you don't want this, but if we go ahead anyway, where should the money go?"

Remember the 2015-2019 period? Did we see any real improvements in fishing-related stuff? Did any of their promises come true? New boat ramps? Better fishing rules? More fishing spots? Tougher enforcement? I checked all these things, and honestly, not much, if anything, changed. It's time for a new approach. The truth is, no matter what the fund is for, there's always a risk it'll be used for something else.

Something not everyone knows, and I haven't mentioned before, is that party/charter boat reps were offered a free pass. Yep, no license needed if they paid. It's a classic divide-and-rule tactic, setting hired boats against regular anglers.

I'm not sure if they'll try this again next year, but it's bound to come up. We need to stay alert and keep pushing back.
 
George, what is keeping Hochul from simply just imposing this tax, er, license fee ? 44% said yea. She sure as hell doesn't give two shits about Second Amendment rights.
 
Today is a day of celebration for me and all those who oppose the license. Our collective efforts have successfully garnered the support of numerous Long Island politicians, including Senators Dean Murray, Anthony Palumbo, and Fred Theil, as well as the entire Riverhead Board of elected officials and the entire Long Island delegation. We are immensely grateful to Lee Zeldin for his pivotal role in raising awareness about this issue.

While there may be numerous individuals merely expressing their concerns from behind a keyboard in the sportfishing circuit, we at nyangler.com take action to effect change. Our members and users foresaw this development the moment Cuomo was removed from office. Together, we have made a significant impact, and with the help of my close friends, we have effectively halted this issue in its tracks.

Today is an exhilarating day for me, as I harbored doubts about our ability to achieve this outcome. Although it is likely that this issue will resurface, and we will have to resume our fight, today is a day to relish and take pride in our success.
The issue will resurface as long and the current administration in Albany remain in power. Its time for a CHANGE!
 
As long as the city-its control the elections (Rotten Apple, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, etc. wherever the Free Stuff Armies occupy) nothing will change.
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