As predicted by many area anglers when the saltwater fishing license went into effect, the fees are going up - in surprisingly short order, even for the most skeptical. It hasn't even been a year and already the state wants more money.
Joe Balint at The Fish Connection told me he got a notice from the state that effective October 1st the saltwater license will increase to $20 for residents. A freshwater license will go up to $30 and a combo all-waters license will be $50. Please keep in mind this 2009 license will only be good until the end of the calendar year. A new one will have to be purchased for 2010.
It remains to be seen what benefits residents will get from the license. It was hoped the state might open up new shore access points or perhaps bring back stocks like cod and mackerel, two fish long gone from our waters through mismanagement. Time will tell.
via www.theday.com
Nothing on the CT DEP site, but the site specifically states that licenses are issued on a calendar basis and expire in December of that year. Licenses purchased prior to Oct. 1 should be still effective.
