April 9, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 139

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

State Fisheries Officials Remind Eager Spring Anglers:
Get Your Free F.I.N. Number Before Casting Your Line

Spring is beginning to bloom, and the promise of warmer weather on the way is no doubt inspiring anglers to dust off their gear and plan trips to their favorite fishing spots. Before they do, however, state Fisheries officials want to remind them that they’ll need to get their new Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number.

“Beginning Jan. 1, Delaware is requiring all anglers age 16 and older, licensed or not, to join the new state fishing registry. They can get their number with a simple call or website visit - and participation is completely free of charge,” explained Fisheries Administrator Roy Miller.

The First State’s F.I.N. registry was established so that Delaware could provide its own information for a new federal registry that will begin charging fees in 2011. “The National Marine Fisheries Service has been tasked to identify saltwater anglers for survey purposes. If we can provide a complete registry of Delaware’s marine recreational fishermen, our anglers will be exempt from participating in the federal registry and paying these new federal fees,” Miller said. 

To qualify for exempt status with the NMFS, the registry of Delaware’s saltwater anglers must also include those who are not legally required to purchase a recreational fishing license. Because of this requirement, resident senior citizens age 65 and older and unlicensed anglers who fish from a licensed vessel, except for those who fish exclusively from charter boats or head boats, will also need to obtain a Delaware F.I.N. number, Miller added.

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). Anglers will be asked for their name, address, phone number and whether they intend to fish in freshwater, tidal water or both. Each person who obtains a F.I.N. number must keep this number on his or her person while fishing and be able to produce it for a law enforcement official.

For more information, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Section, at 302-739-9914.