Fishing Rules
Understand them before you go

Fishing is a magnificent sport and nothing beats bringing home your limit after a beautiful day on the water. But before you go out remember to brush up on the regulations and familiarize yourself with the rules. Getting a ticket and losing your catch would be a ruinous end to your day.

Anyone age16 to 59 must have a valid sportfishing license in their possession to fish in Alaska. A one-year license costs $24 for residents and $145 for nonresidents. Special one-day ($20), three-day ($35), seven-day ($55) and 14-day ($80) fishing licenses are available for visitors.

Anyone age 60 or older who has lived in the state a year or more can fish without a license, but needs a Fish and Game Permanent Identification Card (PID) which is a lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping license. Alaska resident disabled veterans (50 percent or greater) may also apply for the PID. Application forms are available at Fish and Game offices or by mail from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Licensing Section, 1255 W. Eighth St., P.O. Box 115525, Juneau, AK 99811-5525; or online at: www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license. For more information, call (907) 465-2376.

After getting a license, make sure to pick up a copy of the regulation booklet for the area you will fish. The booklets are available from tackle shops, grocery stores and at the Fish and Game office in Homer at 3298 Douglas Place off Ocean Drive.

King salmon fishermen must buy a separate stamp and affix it to the back of their sportfishing license. Cost is $10 for Alaska residents. Nonresidents pay $10 for a one-day stamp, $20 for three days, $30 for seven days, $50 for 14 days, or $100 for an annual stamp.

Anglers must fill in the harvest record on the back of the fishing license as soon as the king is landed. Remember to carry a pen and fill out the back of the license quickly or risk receiving a costly fine. Anglers under 16 and resident PID anglers over 60 must record king salmon on a free harvest record.

To be certain of sport fishing regulations, limits and fees in 2009, contact the Department of Fish and Game at (907) 235-8191 or visit the Web at www.adfg.state.ak.us.

The Kenai Peninsula's world famous fishing is due to the excellent management of the wild and enhanced fish stocks by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. These regulations are in place to make sure these opportunities continue. Follow the rules and enjoy yourself. There's nothing better than fresh fish on the barbecue.