The Saltwater Fishing License

No one bats an eye about a freshwater fishing license, but in recent time more coastal states have added saltwater fishing licenses to the mix. They're new to most states, so here are answers to 4 commonly asked questions.

1. Who needs a saltwater license? Like their freshwater counterpart, anglers 16 years or older are required to hold a saltwater license. Most states have rules that don't charge disabled people or anglers fishing on a permitted-for-hire boat like a charter or head boat.

2. Do we need an additional license when crossing state boundaries? Many states offer reciprocal fishing agreements. My saltwater license in Massachusetts, for example, also covers angling in the three neighboring states of New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Check before you buy, you might save some money.

3. Do fees vary by state and are there some changes? Most fees are between $10 and $30, but Virginia recently announced a reduction in their 2015 fees (as of April 1) from $22.50 to $17.50. Most states offer free fishing to folks over 60. Check the states fees before you go.

4. ​Where does the money goes?? Most of the revenue generated from the license sales will go to one of three major initiatives: improvement of public access, development and distribution of educational information, and marine fishing programs as approved by the recreational fishing development panel.

So with any evolving new program that crosses state boundaries you'll need to study saltwater license sales a bit more. The good news are, you can do that right here.