SALTWATER LICENSE?

July 17, 2007 - I would ask you to take the time to read the following excerpt that was extracted from the periodical "Fishing Tackle Retailer."

"If recent meetings are any indication, the idea of either a federal or state saltwater fishing permit isn't going to float. However reauthorization of the Federal Magnuson-Stevens Act requires all who fish for sport in saltwater and some estuaries to have a license by 2009.

Maine is trying to jump the gun by requiring residents to have a saltwater permit, something no New England fisherman has had to do. Local fishermen object, saying the license is nothing more than another tax.

The crux of the matter for the state of Maine and other coastal states that currently don't require a permit for fishing in saltwater is that all monies derived from the federal licenses will go to the federal treasury. Of the 23 coastal states, the few remaining states that do not require a license are primarily on the east Coast north of Virginia."

DAN "ATLANTIC" SALMON
Since BFT's have adorned the saltwater menu, I consider myself to be the last remaining striped bass zealot, or so it seems. I recently had the opportunity to chat with West Dennis resident Dan "Atlantic" Salmon concerning his angling escapades here in the north Atlantic. As anticipated Dan, along with bud Tony Penny, have been haunting the rips off Chatham in search of bluefin tuna. While fly rod hook-ups (and landings) have been somewhat limited, it certainly has not been due to the lack of fish. At times the duo have encountered acres of busting BFT's ranging in size from 20lb footballs to 200lb giants.

Salmon recounted their latest assault as the anglers stumbled upon "one the most astounding sights I have ever seen."

On their return from a day's fishing Dan and Tony happened upon a large group of stripers and bluefish surface feeding, or so it appeared. As Salmon slowed his pace to strategically position the catamaran within casting range they witnessed, what Salmon labeled "a majestic sight." The duo were treated to a heard of BFT's (in the 200-300lb range) gorging on bluefish, that appeared to be 10lbs in weight or larger.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB