Out-Of-State Kids Get A Break On Fishing In Washington

Beginning this month, nonresident youngsters under the age of 15 who fish in Washington will no longer have to purchase a gamefish license, thanks to a change approved by the Legislature.

“I call this the ‘let the grandkids fish bill,’ ” said Sen. Gary Strannigan, R-Everett, who introduced the bill in the last session. “Washington state is a great family tourist destination,” he said. “I have no problem with nonresident kids dropping a line in the water and catching a couple of fish.”

A provision requiring nonresident children to purchase a license was passed during the 1996 session. “Can you imagine a grandparent with five visiting grandkids having to spend $100 to let them fish?” Strannigan said.

Out-of-state kids also are exempt from the state’s $5 warmwater enhancement surcharge. However, they are required to purchase a permit for steelhead fishing.

, DataTimes