Check out this news release from WDFW:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=jul1309a

Note the new "two-pole" option coming soon.

The annual resident fee for a combination license (freshwater, saltwater, shellfish) currently costs $42 and will likely rise by 10% (about $4.20). A freshwater license is only $22 and will likely rise by about $2.20.

Compared to what we pay for everything else in life, $46 per year to enjoy all of the fishing our state has to offer is a heck of a deal. That is less than a tank of gas for most people. Check out what people in California have to pay for licenses ($41 plus about $60 in possible extra tags and stamps) and boat launches (commonly $20 per day)... oh yeah, sometimes they can't even launch their own boat on a lake... they have to rent one! All of our WA Fish and Wildlife boat launches are free with a license purchase.

I'm as much of a critic as anyone about government spending, but the Department of Fish and Wildlife is far from ripping anyone off. They have been working on a shoestring budget forever. I think they're doing a great job considering the flux in job security, money, and large amount of bureaucracy they deal with.

Chris

Wonder how that will impact children who don't yet have to purchase a license, will they too be able to fish with 2 poles?  Guess we'll see as it comes about.  I for one will gladly pay to fish with 2 poles as I often fish for walleye, panfish, etc but if I were strictly a bass fisherman, and since I can't use live bait, I would never have the need as I can only work one jig at a time

As for the standard license fee's, I don't think Washington is outrageous considering the fishing opportunities in this state.  I've seen comparable prices in states with a lot less quality fishing areas.

Thanks for the link!

Bass,

Thats our bassackwards state for you. When you can't fish with live bait other than worms it makes it tuff for those that don't know how to use lures.

Russ

BassAholic, a statement from the WDFW website:

Where do license fees go? What percentage goes into the State General Fund or other funds NOT for use by WDFW?

79% goes to the State Wildlife Account 13% of that money goes to Other WDFW controlled accounts 5% goes to the General Fund

BassAholic wrote on 07/13/09 at 21:53:39:



It always pays to check when out of state. When I was in Ohio to fish lake Erie was a good example. I ended up buying a non-resident yearly liscense. It was $40. If I had just gotten a 3 day I would have had to buy 2 of them and it would have been just two dollars less. I was glad I spent the 2 dollars as I went one other day with my nephews at a local lake. I would have ended up having to buy another 3 day or just not go. Read the print and do the math when you are away from home........

So if any of you want to go fishing in Ohio with me for the rest of the year I am good! Those Erie smallies are a kick!

Cool, I can run two carolina rigs off the back and have my limit in no time

Russ

Your know what that means don't you?  Another rules discussion about Western's tournaments.  Will we limit the contestants to one rod or two if they have the license option?  What fun!