Licenses, rules and regulations

[BillG]

For what it's worth, the requirement of a saltwater license is (or should be) voluntary in RI. We are supposed to have unfettered access to the sea according to our State Constitution. The license requirement is entirely the a requirement of Federal legislation which can't override our constitution. That said, I willingly pay it because this is one of the rare occasions where the money actually goes to a designated fund and is used specifically for the purpose of maintaining and improving access and availability to saltwater fishing. Most of the boat ramps are falling appart or subsiding. Our public rights of way are constantly under pressure. How pissed off would everyone be if they closed GI to fishing or closed Ft. Wetherill after dark? Pay the money. Or don't. It's up to you. However, if you don't pay the money, you might get caught. If you get caught, you might get a ticket. If you get a ticket, and choose contest it based on squid being cephalopods instead of finfish and the wording on DEM's website says squid are not finfish, you may get your ticket dismissed. Or you might have to pay the ticket ($100-$500) plus court costs. If you fight it on a Constitutional argument, it will likely cost you significant money to fight it, appeal it, and appeal it again. You may eventually win and eliminate the license requirement for all RI'ers. Or you might lose and have to pay the fine plus all the massive costs. Or you can just pay it. Your choice.