New fishing fees is said to be effective form Thursday (Oct. 1). The cost of a resident saltwater fishing license is $30. An all-waters license is $50 and a one-day, resident saltwater license is $15. The non-resident saltwater license is $60 and the freshwater is $80. An all-waters license for non-residents is a whopping $100, sure to discourage people from coming to our state on a fishing trip in their own boat. Area charter and party boats buy a blanket license for all their customers.
This increase in fees is said to be valid till 2009 and could increase even more for 2010. It remains to be seen what, if any, good will come from these new fees in the form of better fishing or better access. In this season one can now legally fish for blackfish in state waters, keeping four per day at 14 inches. Bluefish prowl the Thames River, best right now up in Norwich, held there by schools of large bunkers.
Evan at J&B said the blue and bass fishing in The Race were steady, weather permitting for their charter boat. On some of the windier days they were forced to troll off Black Point, settling for smaller numbers in somewhat steadier seas. Don at King Cove reported the striper fishing on the reefs was decent one day and completely blank the next time.
Joe Balint at the Fish Connection said shore anglers have a chance to catch blackfish at the rocks at New London Light and under the Gold Star Bridge, Groton side. Capt. Howard Beers at Hillyers Tackle said it was very busy in the shop Thursday for the blackfish opener.
