12-41-CWS | June 28, 2012
BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) would like anglers to know that July 4 is designated as “Free Saltwater Sport Fishing Day” on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Any person may saltwater sport fish without a license in the marine waters of Mississippi (waters south of Interstate 10) on Wednesday, July 4, 2012.
“Please remember to obey all size and creel limits during this free fishing day,”said Walter Chataginer, MDMR Marine Patrol’s Chief of Enforcement. “Enjoy your fishing and remember to have all safety equipment onboard your vessel in good working order before leaving the dock.”
For more information on fish size and possession limits, contact the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources at (228) 374-5000 or visit dmr.ms.gov.
The rest of the year, a Mississippi recreational saltwater fishing license is required for anyone fishing in coastal and marine waters of this state with the following exceptions: Anyone under the age of 16 and residents who are deemed 100 percent service-connected disabled by the Veteran’s Administration or 100 percent disabled through the Social Security Administration. Residents 65 years of age or older are required to purchase a lifetime saltwater fishing license for a one-time fee. Temporary residents stationed at a Mississippi military base can use a military I.D. to purchase a resident Mississippi fishing license.
Resident recreational saltwater fishing licenses cost $12.29 ($10 plus $2.29 processing and agent fees) and expire one year after date of purchase. Recreational saltwater fishing licenses may be purchased at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and most Wal-Mart, Kmart, sporting goods stores, bait shops and fishing camps or online at www.ms.gov/gf/hunting. For 24-hour license sales, call 1-800-5GO-HUNT (1-800-546-4868).
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the MDMR online at dmr.ms.gov.
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo Courtesy of Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
PHOTO CUTLINE:
Breanna Gray holds up her record-breaking Atlantic Sharpnose shark. Anyone may saltwater sportfish without a license in the marine waters of Mississippi on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
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