[igormothra]

Got this email from my mom


Thank you for the heads up regarding getting a Fisherman’s Information Network number. There was a slight error in the link. Here is the correct link - Fisherman's Identification Number - Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. I was able to obtain a number by filling out the form online. FIN Registration is MANDATORY for all resident and non-resident anglers ages 16 and older. Since it said mandatory, I figured it was necessary to get the number from the Delaware site. I couldn’t find anything about Maryland having such a requirement. I’ll keep looking, but in the meantime, if you find the Maryland site, please let me know.

Thanks again,

Nancy

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Subject: Required Fishermen Information Number (FIN)


Hi Guys,

You required to apply for a F.I.N.to fish in DE. tidal and non-tidal waters. You can do it by dialing 1-800-432-9228 and answer questions as your prompted and you will get your number at the end of the automated message or go online at www.delaware-fin.com. It is required to register but there is no cost and it goes in effect starting today.

For those of you residing in MD, check with DNR to see how you get your F.I.N.

I think once you get your own state F.I.N. you use it for other states you will fish in. Check with your state requirements.

I'm broke now buying all these licenses, but ready to fish in 2009.

Larry




I thought it sounded a little hoakey so I called De fish and Wildlife and its for real.... I call BULL... isn't this why we have licenses????

[Sam]

Originally Posted by igormothra I thought it sounded a little hoakey so I called De fish and Wildlife and its for real.... I call BULL... isn't this why we have licenses????

It does look a little strange to me too... Looking into it.

[igormothra]

Oh its for real.... It is a federal thing, and it is going to be required by everyone soon.

[Sam]

I received a message from Roy W. Miller from DNREC and he wrote this:

The requirement for Delaware anglers to obtain a free FIN number to fish in Delaware is legitimate. This process will help Delaware avoid the need for federal licensing beginning in 2010. Apparently there is a financial firm that uses the acronym FIN as well. This is unfortunate, but hopefully it won’t be a problem for us.

After checking into these websites, It appears that the site http://www.delaware.fin.com goes to a site that is not a financial firm, but a page used by a domain name “squatter” with a cash parking set up. Any time anyone clicks on a link on that site, the “squatter” gets paid.

It appears the correct site is: http://delaware-fin.com, but they will have to confirm that.

[igormothra]

I picked up my license the other day and there is a spot on there for you to write in your FIN.

[Flatfish]

Just like a PIN number for hunting migratory birds. Hopefully this will lead to a better picture of who is harvesting what % of the fish.

[chomper]

You can wish in one hand ....

[whittlinden]

I got a Delaware boat license and did the 800 # for the fin.I was under the impression that F I N was a federal I D That is going into effect,and federal would cover all states,would it not? Del. is just trying to get ahead of the game,and it is free of charge,I think there may be a fee in 2010????

[Steve]

If you have a DE license, you are done. Four states - Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland have saltwater fishing licenses that include exemptions that do not meet all the rule’s requirements (e.g. shore angler exemption, boat licenses). These states must still apply for exempted state status. In a nutshell, if you reside in one of the above mentioned four states and you want to fish for Stripers in a tidal area, yes, you must apply. You have until January 2010 to register. It's free until 2011, then it will cost about $25 per year. If you don't fish for Stripers, you need not apply if you reside in one of the four states. All other states are good, nothing to do other than a standard tidal license.

For full details on the program, go direct to the NOAA site here:
Marine Recreational Information Program

[ffemtreed]

That $25 dollar fee really irks me to no END! Thats more expensive than most tidal fishing licensees. $25 bucks for the privilege of having your name put into a useless database.

[_4Runner_]

I got my SurfTag from Lums Pond S.P. They didnt go over the need for a Fin License, but my bro in law picked up his surftag at Old Inlet Bait and Tackle and they explained that they were necessary. They also said that Delaware was the only state to actually comply with Fin Registration on the eastern seaboard, thus they would not have fee's for the Fin Regs in the future, i'm not sure if thats 100% correct though.

[Finaddict]

DMS fought hard for the FIN. The FIN is free and I hope it stays that way in Delaware.

[ffemtreed]

Originally Posted by Finaddict DMS fought hard for the FIN. The FIN is free and I hope it stays that way in Delaware.

I hope you are right about that. I have a feeling though that it won't be free for long.

[Finaddict]

Originally Posted by ffemtreed I hope you are right about that. I have a feeling though that it won't be free for long.

I hope I am right as well. Delaware was the first state in enact a "local GFL" with a FIN. Other states that do not will have a Fed Lic. and will not need a FIN as they are already counted under the MSA regulations and requirements.

A "local GFL" has exemptions in them and does not comply with the MSA. A FIN makes those states with a "local GFL" compliant to the MSA.

This all has to do with rec. fishing stats for NOAA through the MSA. The previous rec. fishing survey was not efficent enough.