The warm tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea and its coastline provide some of the most exciting fishing spots worldwide. Boasting a population of over 500 million people and an abundance of delicious fish, you can bet that fishing is big business in Puerto Rico! There are several types of licenses and fees that you need to be aware of before hitting the water with your rod and reel, so let’s explore the basics of fishing in Puerto Rico.
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What Are The Basic Requirements For A Fishing License?
As a fisherman you’ll need to ensure that you are of legal age, have a valid passport, and that you’re allowed to fish in the places where you intend on fishing. To help you with this, we have compiled a list of the basic requirements for a fishing license in Puerto Rico.
Who Is Eligible To Fish?
Pretty much anyone can go trout fishing in Puerto Rico as long as you meet the basic requirements, that is, you are at least 18 years old and can produce a valid photo ID that proves it. However, there are some restrictions on whom you can fish with. To be eligible to fish you must also meet the following criteria:
- You must have a boat registered in the U.S.
- You must have purchased your boat from a U.S. company
- Your boat must be capable of holding at least four people
- Your boat must have an electric motor
- You must have an experienced captain at the helm
What Is The Maximum Number Of Fishing Days?
The number of fishing days you can fish in Puerto Rico is determined by your license type. Freshwater fishing licenses are valid for 30 days, while Oceanic fishing licenses are good for 365 days. You must renew your license every year. In most cases you can also obtain an extension during the year, provided you have not used all your allotted fishing days.
How Do I Apply For A Fishing License?
In most cases you must visit a local fishing license agency to apply for a fishing license in Puerto Rico. These agencies are authorized to issue the licenses and handle all the necessary paperwork. Many times you can also apply for a license online, however, the processing time will be longer. It’s always best to visit the agency in person to get the process over with as soon as possible.
When Do I Have To Report To The Sheriff?
Every fisherman has to report to the nearest law enforcement agency after they have caught a certain amount of fish. The reporting requirement is to ensure that everyone keeps count of how many fish they have caught and to prevent overfishing. This is also the case in Puerto Rico, though the amount of fish you need to report depends on which license you have.
What Is The Reporting Amount For A Freshwater Fishing License?
The reporting amount for a freshwater fishing license in Puerto Rico is either two fish (if you’re a kid), eight fish (if you’re an adult), or four fish and a half (if you’re a senior citizen). If you’re a first-time fisherman in Puerto Rico and have just landed your first big fish, you will have a lot of fun recounting your adventures on your tax returns!
How Do I Report My Catch?
After you land your fish, you have to immediately secure the release of any marine animals that you may have caught. This usually involves contacting the local marine mammal protection agency to obtain the proper paperwork. You’ll also need to sign a liability waiver if you’re transporting fish or marine animals in your boat, in most cases this will be required by law. Once these steps have been taken you can make your report to the nearest law enforcement agency and enjoy your meal.
What Is The Price Of A Fishing License In Puerto Rico?
The price of a fishing license in Puerto Rico is determined by several factors, the most important of which is your residency. If you live in Puerto Rico you’ll need to pay around $16 for a freshwater fishing license and around $30 for an oceanic fishing license. This price includes the cost of the license, the processing fees, and the required state tax. If you are visiting the island for a certain period of time and want to fish, you may need to purchase an additional six month visitor’s license for $6.
What About Boat Registration?
If you plan to fish regularly in Puerto Rico you’ll need to register your boat with the Federal Maritime Commission. This is a requirement imposed by the U.S. government, which ensures that you have proper documentation in case of an accident at sea. The registration process is quite simple, and it only takes a few minutes to get it done. You can even do it online if you have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer.
Do I Need A Fishing License To Fish In International Waters?
Anyone over the age of 16 can fish in international waters as long as they have a valid fishing license. Keep in mind that there are some restrictions on who can fish and where you can fish in international waters, for example, you must always keep your catch and release of fish. Also, please remember that most countries require that you have a proper license to enter their waters. So if you’re planning a vacation in another country and want to fish, make sure you have the necessary documents before you go.
Fishing In Other Countries
If you’re traveling abroad and want to fish you’ll need a fishing license. In most cases the documentation required is very similar to what you need in Puerto Rico. You must have a valid passport, a visa, and a fishing license. There are, however, a few differences from country to country. For example, in some countries you must register your boat with the local authorities, while in others you don’t have to. Some countries also have a minimum age limit for fishermen which is usually between 15 and 18 years old. In other countries you can even be as young as 10 or 11 and still be able to fish. Just remember that in most cases you need official documentation proving your identity, residency, and that you’re traveling abroad.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the basics of fishing in Puerto Rico. As you can see, it’s not as easy as just hopping on a boat and driving to the nearest fish lake or ocean. There are several documents and fees that you need to be aware of before hitting the water with your rod and reel, so make sure you have everything ready and obtain the proper documentation before heading out.