Is there some kind of universal fishing license that can be purchased to cover all jurisdictions around the lakes? It seems like it would be quite a burden to buy one in all the different states and Canadian provinces when on an extended cruise of the lakes.
Nothing I'm aware of, I usually have to buy licenses for 3-4 states every year, although most states now you can buy a 1 or 3 day license online, even from your phone. I was however surprised last week to find out that in Maine, you have to get a "free" saltwater license, free meaning you still have to pay $1 for the online processing fee. BUT Maine is the first state I've found so far that will honor any other states SALTWATER license. They will not honor a freshwater license from another state.
Quote from: relamb on July 17, 2017, 06:00:50 PM
Nothing I'm aware of, I usually have to buy licenses for 3-4 states every year, although most states now you can buy a 1 or 3 day license online, even from your phone. I was however surprised last week to find out that in Maine, you have to get a "free" saltwater license, free meaning you still have to pay $1 for the online processing fee. BUT Maine is the first state I've found so far that will honor any other states SALTWATER license. They will not honor a freshwater license from another state.
Thanks. For some reason I thought federal waters did not require a license. So for this season I will need at least Wisconsin and Michigan licenses for both my wife and myself.
All of the great lakes are within states or canada, so individual jurisdiction laws apply within various segments of those waters, PLUS federal laws apply as far as navigation rules, lighting/safety requirements, no discharge, etc. There is no part of the US great lakes that are outside of a state. Same on the coasts, you're within both state and federal waters within a certain distance from shore, so you must comply with the state laws and the federal laws both. Once you get far enough offshore from the coast (saltwater) you're in federal only jurisdiction. Most (?) coastal states have saltwater fishing license regulations these days, separate from freshwater licenses, and may also have boat operating restrictions or licenses (ie kids operating boats below a certain age must have safety training and permits). Even if you go offshore past the state line, you may need a state icense to possess the fish you bring back into the state waters, even though you didn't catch them in the state. And in federal waters, fishing is still regulated, you need federal licenses for sharks, tuna, and "highly migragory species". Federal bag limits and seasons apply to many fish that are separate from the state rules. It can get pretty complicated. If you cross into Canada on the great lakes, you have additional immigration/customs/border crossing issues if you step out on land, and I have heard (but haven't researched) that you can get in trouble with the Canadian border patrol by just putting down an anchor on their side, if you haven't followed the proper procedures. Know before you go, as they say!
Quote from: relamb on July 19, 2017, 09:55:01 AM
All of the great lakes are within states or canada, so individual jurisdiction laws apply within various segments of those waters, PLUS federal laws apply as far as navigation rules, lighting/safety requirements, no discharge, etc. There is no part of the US great lakes that are outside of a state. Same on the coasts, you're within both state and federal waters within a certain distance from shore, so you must comply with the state laws and the federal laws both. Once you get far enough offshore from the coast (saltwater) you're in federal only jurisdiction. Most (?) coastal states have saltwater fishing license regulations these days, separate from freshwater licenses, and may also have boat operating restrictions or licenses (ie kids operating boats below a certain age must have safety training and permits). Even if you go offshore past the state line, you may need a state icense to possess the fish you bring back into the state waters, even though you didn't catch them in the state. And in federal waters, fishing is still regulated, you need federal licenses for sharks, tuna, and "highly migragory species". Federal bag limits and seasons apply to many fish that are separate from the state rules. It can get pretty complicated. If you cross into Canada on the great lakes, you have additional immigration/customs/border crossing issues if you step out on land, and I have heard (but haven't researched) that you can get in trouble with the Canadian border patrol by just putting down an anchor on their side, if you haven't followed the proper procedures. Know before you go, as they say!
Holy crap! All I want to do is catch a fish once in a while when cruising to cook right away. Makes my head spin.