State Fisheries reminds anglers: New Year means time for a new F.I.N. number

1/8/2010

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Jan. 8, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 10

For more information, contact Craig Shirey, Fisheries Section, 302-739-9914, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

State Fisheries reminds anglers:
New Year means time for a new F.I.N. number

With winter winds whistling outside their windows, even the most avid anglers probably aren’t yet thinking of spring days spent casting a line. But with trout season just eight weeks away, now is the perfect time to check out your gear, clean out that tackle box and make sure you have everything you need when the time comes to land the big one – including your fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number.

“As of Jan. 1, 2009, Delaware has required all anglers age 16 and older, including those exempt from purchasing a fishing license, to obtain a F.I.N. number annually from the state fishing registry. Getting a new number for 2010 can be done online or with a phone call, at no charge,” said Fisheries Administrator Craig Shirey. “And, there are no plans to begin charging for registration in the future,” he added.

The First State’s F.I.N. registry was established so that Delaware could provide its own information for a new federal registry that will begin charging fees in 2011. With the state registry in place, Delaware anglers will be exempt from participating in the federal registry and paying federal fees.

To qualify for exempt status, the registry must include those who are not legally required to purchase a recreational fishing license. Because of this requirement, resident senior citizens age 65 and older and unlicensed anglers who fish from a licensed vessel, except for those who fish exclusively from charter boats or head boats, will also need to obtain a Delaware F.I.N. number. Anglers who fish in other states are encouraged to check local regulations to ensure that they meet the licensing and registry requirements of that state.

To obtain a F.I.N. number or for more information, anglers may visit www.delaware-fin.com, or call 800-432-9228, any time of day, any day of the week. For live operator assistance, please call 866-447-4626 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EST). Anglers will be asked for their name, address, phone number and whether they intend to fish in freshwater, tidal water or both. Anglers must keep the F.I.N. number on his or her person while fishing and be able to produce it for a law enforcement official. Those with Delaware recreational fishing licenses should record the F.I.N. number on their licenses.

Purchase of a fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older who are fishing, crabbing or clamming in all Delaware waters, including both tidal and non-tidal areas. Delaware residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase a license. A resident fishing license costs $8.50 and a non-resident license costs $20 per year. More information on fishing licensing in Delaware, including boat licenses, exemptions, where to purchase and other requirements, is available at www.fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries.
For more information, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Section, at 302-739-9914.