Dec. 16, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 559

For more information, contact Roy Miller, Fisheries Section, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 302-739-9914, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

F.I.N. Numbers Not Required for Anglers Fishing from Charter Boats, Headboats

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today that anglers who only fish from commercial charter boats and headboats (party boats) in Delaware waters will not be required to obtain a Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number from Delaware’s new fishing registry. 

Under the new regulation, as of Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009, all prospective Delaware anglers age 16 or older, including resident senior citizens age 65 and older and unlicensed anglers who fish from a licensed vessel, will be required to get a F.I.N. number on an annual basis before fishing in Delaware waters. Following further review, the Division determined an exception could be made with for-hire vessels (charter and headboats).

“This state registry was created so that Delaware can supply its own data to the National Marine Fisheries Service and be exempt from the service’s new federal marine recreational fishing registry. However, the federal registry does not require information from anglers aboard for-hire vessels because the captains of these vessels are subject to a separate federal survey. So therefore, we will not need to collect information from these anglers for our registry,” explained DNREC Fisheries Administrator Roy Miller. 

To obtain a F.I.N. number or for more information, anglers may visit www.delaware-fin.com, or call 800-432-9228, any time of day, any day of the week. Those needing live operator assistance may call 866-447-4626 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EST).

Delaware Code currently requires anglers age 16 and older, with the exceptions noted above, to purchase a general fishing license to fish in tidal and non-tidal waters and to go crabbing or clamming. There is no fee for the F.I.N. number.