Fishing is recreational and a necessity for most people these days. NJ seems to find ways to charge for everything. NJ is expensive to live in. If NJ homeowners pay taxes, they shouldn't have to pay to fish. Some people live right on a lake and they are required to purchase a license before they can fish in the lake they pay taxes on. Soon, they are going to need to purchase a license to walk. 

Currently, anyone age 16 and older must have a valid license to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey with handline, rod and line, or longbow and arrow. This includes privately owned lakes and other waters. New Jersey does not require a general saltwater fishing license but there are a limited number of saltwater licenses and permits required. 

Fresh and salt water fishing should be free to homeowners of New Jersey. With property taxes being so high for NJ residents, fishing should not be an added cost. Fishing is a natural way of hunting for food. Sometimes people can not afford groceries, or to put food on their table;therefore, fishing is a susbstitute for providing a meal or two on their table. 

Check out the yearly cost below. This discourages fathers to take their boys fishing. Imagine how expensive it can get with 4 teenage boys.  

Resident Fishing (Ages 16-64 yrs.) $22.50 Sr. Resident Fishing (Ages 65-69 yrs.) $12.50 Resident Trout Stamp $10.50 Non-Resident Fishing (Ages 16 and up) $34.00 Non-Resident Trout Stamp $20.00 7-Day Vacation Fishing (nonresidents only) $19.50 2-Day Vacation Fishing (nonresidents only) $9.00 All Around Sportsman (includes Resident Fishing,
Firearm Hunting and Bow Hunting licenses) $72.25

Please sign if you feel the same way.