When it Comes to Commercial Fishing, Details Matter

Before you take your fishing boat out, do you make sure everything is in good working order? Do you go over all of your supplies, your crew, and so forth, so that the trip goes exactly as it should? Of course you do. That’s because you understand that, in terms of commercial fishing, the details, the little things, matter so much. That’s true for what’s on your boat, and it’s true for what you do before you get on your boat as well. We can help you make sure that you’re in compliance with any and all applicable regulations and laws. 

 

Permits are Necessary for Recreational Fishing of Regulated Species 

 

Of all the questions that we get asked, this might be the most common. You do need a recreational permit to fish for or even land sharks, swordfish, and tunas as well as billfish. It might seem excessive, but those are the rules. If you’re going to fish or retain those even recreationally in Atlantic Federal waters, then you’re going to need an HMS Angling category permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit. For clarity, “Atlantic Federal” waters include the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Caribbean Sea. As you might imagine, with rules and regulations this complex, there are exceptions. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you might have. 

Yes, You Need the Permit on Board, But… 

 

… but not everyone has to have their own permit. If you own or operate a United States vessel that’s fishing for, taking, retaining, or possessing Atlantic tunas, then yes, you’re going to need to have the right permit on board. Moreover, it has to be valid. This is true whether you’re fishing recreationally or commercially. However, you only need one permit per vessel. But, and this is important to keep in mind: if a guest has a permit but your vessel does not, you are prohibited from fishing legally. So, if your vessel does not have a permit, but you bring on your friend who does, you still cannot fish. The vessel needs a permit. 

 

You Do Need a Copy of the Permit, But You Can Print it Out 

 

If your vessel is documented, then you have your Certificate of Documentation, which you have to get a replacement for should it be damaged or lost. A commercial permit for fishing doesn’t work like that. You can simply print it from your email. This is true for many of the permits that we offer, but, as ever, if you have any questions, it makes sense to ask an expert. 

 

Helping Customers with Their Commercial Fishing Permits 

 

You probably didn’t get into the fishing business so that you could spend all of your time filling out paperwork. Getting out on the water, fishing, making money – that’s what you want to do. We can help you to spend more time fishing and less time applying. Our staff is more than happy to answer any questions you might have. You can reach us at (866) 292-4204.