Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on June 30, 2016, 10:05:01 AM
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Here is a presentation by Adrian Clarke, VP of Science at Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (GoFishBC) on ideas for new freshwater fishing licences in this province.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Z15HBi504
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Did anyone here receive a copy of the survey (I wish I had).
I would also like to see other innovations, such and more update web site and an easier process to buy your license.
I would also like to see some form of mandatory (minimum level) testing that you have to pass before you can buy your license, such as the 40 out of 50 knowledge test required for a drivers license. However, I also recognize that this may go against the desire to generate more revenue.
I wonder if it would be possible to have a system in which you could receive a "good angler" discount on your license (say 10-20%) if you successfully pass a 40 of 50 (whatever) multiple-choice questionnaire? While this may reduce license revenues it may also have a positive effect on some of our fisheries which would off-set the revenue reduction?
Thoughts?
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Those additional comments can be sent to fish@gofishbc.com.
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I like the idea of being able to buy a 3-5 year licence at a discount.
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Actually, I'll also make sure these feedbacks posted here are forwarded to the right person, so no need to email them in.
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Thanks, much appreciated.
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Thanks Rod,
Here is some feedback:
youth license – good idea, but extend to university years (university discounts, school discounts, college discounts, etc.)
3-5 year license – good idea
14 days license – OK, but also consider 30 and 60 days licenses
family / spousal – good idea
license packages – concern: how will the money be distributed to individual programs i.e. steelhead vs. salmon, etc. Separate stamps make distribution easier IMO.
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I would pay for a multi-year licence, but would like to see a different format. Carrying a piece of paper around sucks, while it means I can print off several and keep one in the truck, waders, office, etc... They always seem to get wet or misplaced.
A plastic credit card style would be nice, or the ability to display it on your phone...
Is the fishing licence going to be integrated with the FWID eventually? If so, one licence could manage all your info and make trips to the service desk a little easier. As of now, each spring I have to make four transactions for various licences, stamps, and tags. It's annoying especially since the office is only open during bank hours. Could this ultimately be connected with you driver's licence?
As of now I think the price is fair and the process of obtaining a licence is easy. I think rather than incentivising different demographics to get out and fish, there should be continued emphasis on fishing ethically and following the regulations.
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Agree on the plastic card, had them back in Ont and you simply affix any conservation stamps (stickers) to the back of card in outlined area. Could have a paper sheet to record catches still or an online reporting system would be awesome!!
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Agree on the plastic card, had them back in Ont and you simply affix any conservation stamps (stickers) to the back of card in outlined area. Could have a paper sheet to record catches still or an online reporting system would be awesome!!
You're right. The old cards were awesome. Had a wicked picture of a large mouth inhaling a minnow. Last time I was home I got a one day licence from a fishing shop. They print the licence right there on plasticized paper, it was really easy.
I thought about online reporting too, but imagined it would be frustrating for the old timers that don't use technology and most of the time I fish outside of cell service.
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I thought about online reporting too, but imagined it would be frustrating for the old timers that don't use technology and most of the time I fish outside of cell service.
Option of either might be useful for those who don't want to or can't instantly report...an app based license option would be great IMO but not always practical in remote areas we frequently fish
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I do not think format the license is in is not up to the FFSBC. They do not do enforcement they can make suggestions but as government no longer gets the money I doubt they will change what they have now. By having the angler print the license they have saved a huge amount of money on printing and distributing licenses every year. Same for apps for phones yet even more cost to implement it can be done but not as easily as most believe. I can just imagine all the anglers claiming they can not show their license because the phone was out off power or got wet.
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--I like the idea of a spouse or family basic licence fee to reduce family costs and encourage more to start or stay fishing.
--There should be no reduction in the price of tags or surcharges for keeping fish and the family keep quota should be reduced unless each license holder pays the full fee and not the reduced fee.
--There is no need for a reduction for multi year license. The inscentive is in the convenience and also there will be some built in savings to the purchaser if fees increase for inflation or other reasons during the term of their licences.
--There should be a voluntary donation section in the HCT section to allow for easy donation at time of license purchase.
--An example would be in our club there are life time members who are not required to pay dues but each year pay their fee. I believe many seniors who intend to fish a significant amount of time that get the $5 fee may volunteer to pay an additional amount. Those who cannot afford more or choose not to pay more should not be forced to as current seniors paid taxes all their working lives and at the time a portion of their taxes went to f&w.... now that the current system of funding has changed and if it stays the same that it is self funded by license sales then those who are starting work now can pay the full price 35 years from now as they will not have already contributed through taxes to items currently funded by license fees.
--As an asside... I don't want to see the focus of Freshwater fisheries changed such that they become a fund raising organization. It can easily happen. Also believe that Government just cannot keep their hands off of any pile of money so if the society gets to much in the bank Government will start to use the money for MOE and paying CO's etc. that are supposed to still be paid out of General revenue.
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Option of either might be useful for those who don't want to or can't instantly report...an app based license option would be great IMO but not always practical in remote areas we frequently fish
Funny, the Yukon licence is digital and they have some fairly remote spots.
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Digital license wouldn't be an issue as you don't need service to show something already on your phone, it is the catch reporting that I was meaning would not be "instant" if your out of service, but it could be stored within an app and auto updates once service is restored
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del
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I `ll join to changing piece of paper on app or some kind of plastic card :)
I was always wondering , if its pissing rain and u "must record your catch with ink asap" on a piece of paper - how you do that ?! and what will happen if you will be checked by CO at that moment when you think "oh , I`ll do it later or I`ll do it in my car" , wonder the reaction of CO , and if he will be ok with you writing it in your car - what % of people will do it ?! :/
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I also agree with "kind of exam" thing too ...
make it like a driver`s license : few categories - easiest one - fish stock trout/pea mouth chubs , middle -c&r skills (practice) , hard - allows to fish for salmon , hardest -sturgy/steelhead
or something similar ....
it`s so sad that many people got no clue what they are doing and their excuse is - "oh I didn't know that" . In my motherland we have saying "if you don`t know the law , that won`t consider to be your excuse not to be punished"
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I agree on some kind of an exam, you need to be able to identify your catch, also test your ability to understand the regulations, ie. boundaries and time of the year for specific fish.
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A test added to all the other requirements will discourage new anglers. I can just see someone that wants to take their kid to a lake to fish for rainbows giving up as they see another hoop to jump through and cost they must incur. Any change like this would need to be implemented by the BC government as this would have to be put in the fishing regulations. Safety is not an issue as it is with the boating exam or firearms so I doubt there much motive to do so.It will do nothing to stop willful violations. The results do not justify the added bureaucracy or costs in my opinion.
As for apps etc no problem all is possible it may be a bit more complex for BC than other jurisdictions. Just charge those costs for developing and implementing all these thing to those that purchase apps and leave the cost of printing it on your own piece of paper the same.
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A test added to all the other requirements will discourage new anglers. I can just see someone that wants to take their kid to a lake to fish for rainbows giving up as they see another hoop to jump through and cost they must incur. Any change like this would need to be implemented by the BC government as this would have to be put in the fishing regulations. Safety is not an issue as it is with the boating exam or firearms so I doubt there much motive to do so.It will do nothing to stop willful violations. The results do not justify the added bureaucracy or costs in my opinion.
As for apps etc no problem all is possible it may be a bit more complex for BC than other jurisdictions. Just charge those costs for developing and implementing all these thing to those that purchase apps and leave the cost of printing it on your own piece of paper the same.
Much as I agree with that they would have to make sure enough people would buy the app...
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App development costs would be next to nothing, as they already exist, to develop a new app specifically for BC would not be needed. There are numerous states and provinces that already utilize them (alot use the same one just "tweaked" for that location) Sask and Alberta both use the Active Hunt & Fish App ( as well as tennesse, Massachusetts, Connecticut Minnesota & Louisiana plus others) and the app is free. I realize that not everyone will carry phone w them outdoors but let's face it in today's day and age ALOT of anglers/hunter do, weather it be for emergencies (when in cell range) to take photos or use GPS fishing journal/course plotting apps. (BTW If you haven't checked out some of the fishing journal/trip recording apps out there, they are defiantly worth a look) i think its only a matter of time before this becomes the "norm", technology(for better or worse) is becoming a part of every aspect of our lives.
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I totally agree. An added test will deter individuals from buying a licence.
This defeats the purpose of this campaign:
1. Meet angler preferences
2. Maintain angler base by recruiting new anglers
3. Ensure revenues is maintained or increased to re-invest in freshwater fisheries.
Lets face it the paper copy sucks. Alternatives would be plastic card (added fee for card) and smartphone app purchase.
The app purchase is a great idea. For these reasons.
- cost of app generates revenue
- Fishing regulations could be added to the app for easy access. A species and location search bar would make it user friendly.
- Guides could be added for information such as species identification, hatchery vs non hatchery etc....
Another method might be monthly subscriptions. I often hear my friends say they do not want to purchase an annual licence because they do not fish that much which also leads them to not want to fish.
Just a couple ideas.
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While I appreciate being able to buy my license online and print it at home, it does seem to often be pouring down rain when I need to record my catch. Incorporating some of the suggestions above and adding my own, here is what I propose:
Two classes of angler license - certified and apprentice. Apprentice anglers can fish under the supervision of a guide or other certified angler. Certified licenses require completion of an exam on fish identification, fishing gear descriptions (i.e. if the regulation states single barbless only, which of these hooks is legal), and I would even add some basic water safety/first aid. I envision it not being a whole lot different from the hunter's safety course which is required in Washington (I would imagine BC has such a thing as well). Certified licenses would be plastic with a photo of the angler, and could be for up to 5 years. Apprentice licenses could still be purchased in the same way online so people can take their cousins and neighbors out to kill some sockeye and the province can still get some revenue there. Apprentice license purchases would require the apprentice to enter the license number of the sponsoring certified angler or guide (although they don't need to fish only with that certified angler or guide). Adult anglers would be required to apply for a certified license if they have purchased 3 apprentice licenses in consecutive years, unless special circumstances are shown (i.e. disability or language barrier). Also, I would make the certified license fee maybe $10 cheaper, just to add some extra encouragement.
Chinook and steelhead retention - plastic ties in cards of 10 that attach like zip ties, but color coded (i.e. grey for steelhead, red for chinook).
Would have the angler number and year pre-stamped on the tags, and must be attached to the fish - tail or through the gills, prior to resuming fishing. Much easier to do in all weather, and makes it obvious when someone is carrying out a fish that it has been properly recorded. Must be recorded online within X number of days of catch. Unused tags need not be returned since they are year stamped.
The only smartphone application I would like to see would not be a license itself, but a regulations app that can interface with GPS to tell you the regulations where you are fishing, as well as emergency closures, etc.
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The only smartphone application I would like to see would not be a license itself, but a regulations app that can interface with GPS to tell you the regulations where you are fishing, as well as emergency closures, etc.
Been wanting this for years. Such an easy thing to implement, can't believe it hasn't been done yet
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While I appreciate being able to buy my license online and print it at home, it does seem to often be pouring down rain when I need to record my catch. Incorporating some of the suggestions above and adding my own, here is what I propose:
Two classes of angler license - certified and apprentice. Apprentice anglers can fish under the supervision of a guide or other certified angler. Certified licenses require completion of an exam on fish identification, fishing gear descriptions (i.e. if the regulation states single barbless only, which of these hooks is legal), and I would even add some basic water safety/first aid. I envision it not being a whole lot different from the hunter's safety course which is required in Washington (I would imagine BC has such a thing as well). Certified licenses would be plastic with a photo of the angler, and could be for up to 5 years. Apprentice licenses could still be purchased in the same way online so people can take their cousins and neighbors out to kill some sockeye and the province can still get some revenue there. Apprentice license purchases would require the apprentice to enter the license number of the sponsoring certified angler or guide (although they don't need to fish only with that certified angler or guide). Adult anglers would be required to apply for a certified license if they have purchased 3 apprentice licenses in consecutive years, unless special circumstances are shown (i.e. disability or language barrier). Also, I would make the certified license fee maybe $10 cheaper, just to add some extra encouragement.
Chinook and steelhead retention - plastic ties in cards of 10 that attach like zip ties, but color coded (i.e. grey for steelhead, red for chinook).
Would have the angler number and year pre-stamped on the tags, and must be attached to the fish - tail or through the gills, prior to resuming fishing. Much easier to do in all weather, and makes it obvious when someone is carrying out a fish that it has been properly recorded. Must be recorded online within X number of days of catch. Unused tags need not be returned since they are year stamped.
The only smartphone application I would like to see would not be a license itself, but a regulations app that can interface with GPS to tell you the regulations where you are fishing, as well as emergency closures, etc.
Re quoted for awesomeness..
How lucky are we Canadians....look what happens in Germany (no wonder they flock over here to fish):
Generally, in order to legally catch a fish in Germany you need two important documents: a “Fischereischein,” or fishing license, and a “Tageskarte,” or permit. The fishing license confirms that you attended and passed a special course and exam. The license allows you to obtain a permit for fishing a specified body of water for a specified period of time.
Obtaining a German fishing license is time consuming and pricey. Its process entails taking a 30-hour course followed by a comprehensive fishing exam that tests what students learned. A good understanding of the German language is a must. The cost of obtaining the license is around $200. The license needs to be renewed annually for about $22.
Once a fishing license is obtained, the next step is getting a permit, which can be purchased for a day, week or month. These permits are available from a variety of private businesses and organizations that own or lease the rights to favorite fishing holes in a desired angling area. These businesses and organizations are usually regional fishing clubs called “Angelvereine,” private landowners, campsites, hotels or tackle shops. Permits generally cost around $15.
http://www.kaiserslauternamerican.com/fishing-in-germany-within-anglers-reach-2/
http://fishinggermany.jimdo.com/taking-my-german-fishing-license/
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Two classes of angler license - certified and apprentice. Apprentice anglers can fish under the supervision of a guide or other certified angler. Certified licenses require completion of an exam on fish identification, fishing gear descriptions (i.e. if the regulation states single barbless only, which of these hooks is legal), and I would even add some basic water safety/first aid. I envision it not being a whole lot different from the hunter's safety course which is required in Washington (I would imagine BC has such a thing as well). Certified licenses would be plastic with a photo of the angler, and could be for up to 5 years. Apprentice licenses could still be purchased in the same way online so people can take their cousins and neighbors out to kill some sockeye and the province can still get some revenue there. Apprentice license purchases would require the apprentice to enter the license number of the sponsoring certified angler or guide (although they don't need to fish only with that certified angler or guide). Adult anglers would be required to apply for a certified license if they have purchased 3 apprentice licenses in consecutive years, unless special circumstances are shown (i.e. disability or language barrier). Also, I would make the certified license fee maybe $10 cheaper, just to add some extra encouragement.
As opposed to certified/apprentice licenses, I would suggest that one be a license and the other be a temporary fishing permit.
License would be akin to obtaining a driver's license (photo, plastic card, stamps printed on the back kind of like how the driver's licenses indicate what type of vehicle the license holder is allowed to operate). The licenses would be good for 5 years (annual renewal fee x5) and the license holder would be required to take a course on fish identification etc.
Temporary fishing permit would be akin to the learner's driver's license, but on paper (same as our current fishing license) or on an app. These permits would allow someone to temporarily fish over a period of time, so it would be valid for 1, 2 day etc. No course would be required but the onus would be on the permit holder to ensure that they have identified the right fish.
And of course, DFO's and CO's could suspend the license/permit if required and/or issue a violation ticket.
Chinook and steelhead retention - plastic ties in cards of 10 that attach like zip ties, but color coded (i.e. grey for steelhead, red for chinook).
Would have the angler number and year pre-stamped on the tags, and must be attached to the fish - tail or through the gills, prior to resuming fishing. Much easier to do in all weather, and makes it obvious when someone is carrying out a fish that it has been properly recorded. Must be recorded online within X number of days of catch. Unused tags need not be returned since they are year stamped.
+1 for the plastic ties, but I think that would drive the cost of licensing up astronomically.
The only smartphone application I would like to see would not be a license itself, but a regulations app that can interface with GPS to tell you the regulations where you are fishing, as well as emergency closures, etc.
+1 for the app with GPS for applicable regulations within the area.
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Not sure If a test is the way to go at all, but if that's what people want I think a better way to go would be a retention endorsement on the license. Simple test, online, little bit more (say $5 to pay for it). That way If you wish to retain as the regs allow you take the test, if you wish to just catch and release you do not.