Fishing fees on hold
Proposed fees for saltwater fishing licenses delayed until Jan. 1
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Recreational fishermen and their families lined the Goldsmith Inlet jetty in Peconic just before sundown Saturday evening, enjoying some leisurely porgy fishing. Greenport resident Eryk Giron -- found fishing at the jetty -- said he didn't know he might have to pay $10 next year to fish out of the Long Island Sound, an activity that's been forever free.
"I'm just doing this for fun," said the 25-year-old native of Guatemala as he threw his tiny catch back into the water. "But sure, I'll pay it."
Though Mr. Giron took an apathetic stance toward a proposed annual licensing fee for all recreational saltwater fishermen, Assemblyman Fred Thiele (R-Sag Harbor) said he's still trying to help people like him. In May, Mr. Thiele introduced a bill to stop the new fees -- $10 per year, $8 per week, $4 per day, and $150 for a lifetime license -- slated to become law on October 1.
Though the assembly did not vote on Mr. Thiele's bill last month, they did vote on June 22 to delay the implementation of a fee until January 1, ensuring free saltwater fishing through 2009.
"I hope to bring the trustees together for a brainstorming session before the end of the summer," said Mr. Thiele. "To see how we might be able the attack [the fees]."
It's estimated that the new fees will generate $3 million for the state, but Mr. Thiele said he doubts that revenue will help the local marine industry. "Today, recreational fishing is a critical sector in New York State's economy," Mr. Thiele said in a statement when he introduced his legislation. "To impose this new financial burden on this important economic engine in the midst of the worst recession in decades is simply bad policy. Long Island will be particularly hard hit."
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Though Mr. Thiele said he can't predict when anything will pass in the senate, he said he hopes the issue of the saltwater fishing fee "will be resolved soon."
eschultz@timesreview.com
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