Let me preface this by saying I'm no expert on this subject but just looking to be in compliance with the regulations. Ok. NJ now has signed into law an approved free salt water license that has been mandated by the Magnuson Stevens act to implement a salt water angler registry. The means of capturing that registry has yet to be implemented by the state; until such time, you are required to register through NOAA at the current 2011 fee of $15. If you registered late last year, there was a window where the registraion was free. When NJ has its system up and running, you can register at no fee for 2011. But if you fish NJ waters prior to NJ having implemented you better be covered through the federal registry via NOAA. Now, to complicate things a little bit.... if you fish NY/NJ boundries, there is a reciprocity agreement between the two states.. However, since NJ does not have the registry program in place, I believe NY requires you to purchase Non-Resident NY marine license (see below). Can some one confirm? Second part of the question... If you are federaly registered through NOAA, does NY accept that as a NJ proxy until NJ implements the system?
From NY's FAQ regarding marine license...
Are there any reciprocal license agreements with other states where marine waters form boundaries with other states?
Yes. Anglers that are licensed by a state recreational marine license program will be able to fish in any portion of a shared water body regardless of state line water boundaries. Currently, a New York State recreational marine license holder will be able to fish in the following waters without having to purchase a non-resident license from that state:
Connecticut: those parts of Long Island Sound lying between New York and Connecticut.
Rhode Island: those parts of Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean lying between Rhode Island and New York.
New Jersey:** those parts of New York Harbor, Hudson River, Kill Van Kull, Arthur Kill, Raritan Bay, and Atlantic Ocean lying between New Jersey and New York.
** Note: New Jersey participates in the federal registry alone, which does not qualify them for this reciprocal privilege. Therefore, New Jersey residents will have to purchase a New York State non-resident recreational marine fishing license before fishing in New York's waters.
