Published: February 23, 2008 05:17 pm            

MARTINO: Seniors are needed to buy fishing licenses

Funds generated will multiply and help future generations of anglers

Beginning April 1, residents age 64 and older, born after March 31, 1943, will need to purchase a senior fishing license to fish in Indiana’s public waters. These anglers will have the choice of purchasing a yearly $3 senior fishing license or a one time, “Fish for Life” license for $17.

These new licenses are available now to those who meet the criteria. It is important to note if you have already reached the age of 65 and were born before March 31, 1943, you will not be required to purchase the new license.

Although a few complaints have been heard, the majority stand strongly in support.

“When I first heard about it last year, I wasn’t real happy,” said George Maxwell, one of many seniors who will be required to buy the new license. “But when I heard why, I am all for it. After all, the price is minimal, and if it means bringing more money back to my state, then I say it’s about time.”

With the purchase of each license, Indiana will receive an additional $7.90 of federal money to be used for sport fish restoration programs as well as increasing and maintaining public access sites along many of our lakes and streams.

Last year, nearly 5,500 Hoosier anglers age 64 purchased annual fishing licenses. If that same number were to buy a Senior License this year the state would gain $43,000 in federal funds. In just 10 years, the total would swell to $2.3 million. That’s not chump-change either, when considering without the senior license this money, generated by Hoosier sportsmen, would be lost to other states. DNR statistics show that over 90,000 seniors ply Indiana’s public waters.

The federal program is funded by excise taxes placed on fishing equipment and boat fuel. These funds are returned to various states based on the number of licensed anglers. In previous years, when Indiana’s seniors were not required to purchase a license, they were not counted as licenses sold, even though they fished. So a portion of money generated by Hoosier anglers through their purchase of outdoor equipment and fuel was actually distributed to other states.

This increase in funding coming back to Indiana will go a long way in purchasing land for the construction of new access points on many of our state’s lakes and streams. Funding will also go a long way toward the construction of new ADA accessible facilities, repairing worn-out boat ramps and upgrading our state’s aging fish hatcheries.

Fishing rules relaxed

Anglers who fish Goldeneye Pond at Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area will be pleased to note that fishing regulations have been relaxed until June 10, 2008. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is lifting size restrictions and increasing bag limits in an effort for anglers to utilize the pond’s fish before an upcoming dam repair project scheduled this summer.

“To do the work, Goldeneye Pond will be completely drained and will remain dry for several months,” said Steve Roth, Tri-County FWA property manager. “By relaxing the rules now, we can give anglers the opportunity to take home fish that otherwise might be wasted.”

In addition to relaxing the fishing rules, biologists will attempt to salvage adult largemouth bass from the Kosciusko County pond, hold them in another lake, then restock them once the pond is refilled. Bluegill and channel catfish will also be restocked once the project is complete.

Anglers who fish Goldeneye Pond may now take home up to four bass of any size. Previous rules allowed anglers to keep only two bass as long as they were over 18 inches. In addition, anglers can also keep up to 50 crappies and 50 redear sunfish per day. There is no daily bag limits on bluegill.

Although size limits have been lifted and catch limits doubled, a fishing license is still required for those over the age of 17.

Roth also warns anglers of fluctuating water levels. “We’ve already started the lake drawdown, so it could create unsafe ice conditions this winter,” he cautioned. “Anglers should always check the ice before venturing out.”

Hunter Ed. Class

There are still a few openings left for an upcoming IDNR certified Hunter Education Class, sponsored by the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department.

The 10-hour class will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 15, and from noon to 4 p.m. on March 16. The program will be held at the Kirkendall Outdoor Education Center located in Jackson Morrow Park, 4200 S. Park Rd.

Hunter education is mandatory for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986, before purchasing a valid Indiana hunting license and in some cases for adults who plan on hunting several of our western states or Canadian Provinces.

To register, contact the Kokomo Parks Department office at (765) 456-PARK between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

John Martino is the Tribune’s

outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports

department.

        

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