fishing in US waters.

[pescador]

So, what are the rules if I want to fish on the US side out of Sooke? As long as I don't touch US soil, am I ok? When I cross the shipping lanes do I need to advise Seattle traffic on 5? Is my Canadian license ok or do I need a WA license?

 

[scott craven]

I believe you need a WA license in order to fish their side of the strait.

 

[Deewar25]

or a bulletproof boat

 

[Tips Up]

I hear the coho fight harder on the US side of the line.

 

[reelfast]

you will need a WA nonresident license. i don't know about bag limits. for us doing the reverse, if i fish in canadian waters, i can only retain a canadian limit of fish, not a canadian and a US. for me to cross into canadian waters, it is now REQUIRED that i check in with canadian customs or suffer the potential consequences, on the spot boat seizure, illegal entry.....

best to check with customs before you get carried away as the entire strait is on radar 24/7.

 

[damnfish!]

As long as you don't tie up to another boat, anchor or dock you're good to go to US waters without reporting. As for fishing, you'd need a license I suspect. They have just changed the law that you CAN drop and pick up traps in US waters without reporting... (it used to be considered anchoring)

 

[reelfast]

here is the link for what US boaters are REQUIRED to do:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/096-eng.html

before you take 'hearsay' advice, i suggest you carefully check with customs on both sides to understand the rules that are now in place.

if your are 'dropping traps' in US waters, you will still need a non resident US license. i can't fish your side without a canadian license, you should not assume you can fish this side without a US license. get stopped on this side with your canadian license and see what happens, it won't be pretty.

the international boundary means that when i travel N, i am entering a foreign nation. when you travel S you will be as well. these regulations are getting far more strict than they used to be, get informed before you get stopped, end of soapbox.

 

[damnfish!]

To clarify my post. If you simply take your boat across the border VIA water, you do NOT need to report if you're only in the water... if you want to dock, tie up to another boat or anchor you must report. If you're fishing in any body of water you best be licensed as per local rules. ie... get a US license if you plan on fishing in Her waters... just as anyone would need a CAN license to fish in ours. That said, if you have the needed licenses you would not need to report if you're going over to fish for the day and come back without touching land, etc.

here is the link for what US boaters are REQUIRED to do:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/096-eng.html

before you take 'hearsay' advice, i suggest you carefully check with customs on both sides to understand the rules that are now in place.

if your are 'dropping traps' in US waters, you will still need a non resident US license. i can't fish your side without a canadian license, you should not assume you can fish this side without a US license. get stopped on this side with your canadian license and see what happens, it won't be pretty.

the international boundary means that when i travel N, i am entering a foreign nation. when you travel S you will be as well. these regulations are getting far more strict than they used to be, get informed before you get stopped, end of soapbox.

 

[reelfast]

That said, if you have the needed licenses you would not need to report if you're going over to fish for the day and come back without touching land, etc.

that used to be the way it was. please read the info at the link i posted above. i would advise that you check, in depth, with US customs or your own folks regarding whether or not this still applies. i certainly can no longer come across, fish and come home with a canadian limit of fish without the customs dance. just a heads up. if anyone finds an authoratative link for how it works coming S, it would be helpful to all to read.

 

[Dogbreath]

Be damned sure to have your passport with you just in case.

 

[JAC]

As long as you don't tie up to another boat, anchor or dock you're good to go to US waters without reporting. As for fishing, you'd need a license I suspect. They have just changed the law that you CAN drop and pick up traps in US waters without reporting... (it used to be considered anchoring)

This sounds correct to me.

 

[264winmag]

This sounds correct to me.

U Better. call first!!!!!