250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-3.4

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-90-00-3.4 - License Required

3.4.1Recreational

A. Applicability: No person shall take finfish or squid recreationally from the marine waters of Rhode Island without a valid recreational saltwater fishing license. Finfish taken recreationally shall not be sold or offered for sale. A person is considered to be engaging in recreational fishing if they are engaged in the process of angling via the use of any type of hook and line, or spearfishing via the use of any type of spear or powerhead, or if they possess equipment used for angling or spearfishing and are in possession of finfish or squid. A valid recreational saltwater fishing license may include any of the following:

1. A Rhode Island recreational saltwater fishing license issued by the Director.

2. A recreational saltwater fishing license issued from a reciprocal State that honors a license issued in Rhode Island to fish recreationally in those states. Reciprocal States are listed at saltwater.ri.gov.

3. A national saltwater angler registration.

B. Anglers and spearfishers must be in possession of, or within close proximity to, their license at all times while engaged in angling or spearfishing. The term close proximity shall be construed to mean aboard a vessel, on which or from which an individual is angling or spearfishing; or, for shore-based anglers, or spearfishers, within a nearby car or other location that is within walking distance from the point of exit from the water.

C. Anglers and spearfishers shall present a valid and current recreational saltwater fishing license for inspection upon demand by an authorized law enforcement officer.

D. Exemptions. A license is not required for the following:

1. Persons under sixteen (16) years of age.

2. Persons on party or charter vessels licensed in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-2-27.1.

3. Licensed party or charter vessel operators when fishing in party/charter mode.

4. Persons who are on leave from active military duty.

5. Persons who are blind or permanently disabled.

6. Persons who hold a valid Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Permit.

7. For days designated by the Director as a free fishing day.

8. Persons exempt shall provide proof and photo ID to an authorized law enforcement officer upon request.

3.4.2Commercial

A. No person shall take finfish or squid from the marine waters of Rhode Island commercially without a valid commercial fishing license issued by the Director pursuant to Part 2 of this Subchapter.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-3.4

Amended effective 2/28/2019
Amended effective 5/2/2019
Amended effective 6/14/2019
Amended effective 1/1/2020
Amended effective 4/2/2020
Amended effective 7/7/2020
Amended effective 8/20/2020
Amended effective 10/10/2020
Amended effective 1/5/2021
Amended effective 3/30/2021
Amended effective 6/18/2021
Amended effective 1/1/2022
Amended effective 5/1/2022
Amended effective 8/18/2022
Amended effective 1/1/2023
Amended effective 4/30/2023
Amended effective 5/22/2023
Amended effective 9/14/2023
Amended effective 1/8/2024
Amended effective 4/28/2024
Amended effective 7/20/2024