The National Registry is now the Law of the Land and here is how it effects you as a client on Summer Job Charters. It has NO EFFECT WHAT-SO-EVER! You do not need to register or purchase a license to fish on a charter boat. If you plan to fish from the beach or on a private boat at another time, you will need to register this year at no cost and will have to purchase a license in 2011.             

 If you hold a coastal license from another state, are under 16 years of age, pay to fish on a party/ charter boat or hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit you DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER.

  I own the charter boat and have the Highly Migratory Angling Permit but plan to register because it is FREE. I do plan to fish on other boats this summer and usually start my season on the banks of the Parker River looking for the first striped bass of the summer. No sense in ruining a perfectly nice day of fishing by getting lectured by a Environmental Police Officer. You would probably get a warning but who needs the aggravation.

 You can register by calling 1-888-674-7411 4AM to 12 midnight EST or on the web at www.countmyfish.noaa.gov.

Good fishing

Capt. Scott