Protect our Fish When You Take Your Alaska SUV Rentals Fishing
Our fish populations are one of the most important forms of sustenance, both worldwide and on a state-level. Here in Alaska, we know that without fish, our population would suffer. Whether you’re just visiting or are a regular sports fisher, you’ll likely know that there’s only a certain limit of fish that you can take away with you in your Alaska SUV rentals.
Contrary to what many people think, these limitations and regulations are chosen carefully and scientifically. They’re put in place to protect fish populations by reducing predator species from downsizing others, while also preventing over-fishing of desirable species, like salmon.
Getting a license
Licenses are fairly easy and cheap to attain. Ranging anywhere from $10 to $40 per license, getting a license will ensure you avoid hefty fines that can reach into the thousands.
When you get a license, you learn also about the regulations and limits that you are required to maintain. In doing so, you also agree to adhere to these limits and regulations.
If you’re caught fishing without a license, you’ll end up with a pretty hefty fine and be declared a poacher. This could cause more problems in the future, as it can potentially hinder your obtainment of a fishing license. Your fish will most certainly be confiscated, and depending on the amount of fish you’ve bagged, you could pay thousands of dollars in fines.
Fishing authorities are likely to do spot checks around the busy fishing season. If you’re caught with more than you’re allowed to catch, or without a license, you risk fine. Furthermore, other fishers can report you to the authorities if you appear to be a poacher. At this point, an official will show up on site to perform a check.
Your license card will include your limits. It will declare how many fish you can catch and keep in a single day. It’s smart to keep your license in your wallet rather than in your Alaska SUV rentals in case of a spot check.
Why fees are important
It may seem ridiculous to pay for a license, but in fact, the funds generated from licenses go towards important causes across the state. One of these is researching rockfish, which are difficult to investigate because of their deep habitat. It also goes towards fish conservation and habitat reservation. It also helps to stock fish to ensure fish populations are kept at a reasonable level (which also increases your chances of a catch!).
The program, since its inception, has dramatically helped to reduce damage and harm on fish populations. But there’s also plenty you can do. While regulations around rockfish help maintain their populations, you can do your part to watch out for their protection. Often, Pelagic rockfish are confused as black bass or sea bass and are caught and labeled as such. Double check your labels and your identification. Furthermore, yelloweye rockfish – non-pelagic – are confused as red snapper.
This is important. Rockfish have long lives, but their females don’t begin spawning until 27 years old. Furthermore, they won’t bother with breeding if conditions and resources are poor. This means that their populations are easy to deplete. Help out by properly identifying rockfish, knowing when you release them if you’re an angler, and making sure you’re not driving away in your Alaska SUV rentals with too many of them.
We promote responsible fishing to our Alaska SUV rentals clients because we care about our community, and our land. Alaska is our home, and even if you’re just visiting, Alaska is your home now too.
Reserve your Alaska SUV rentals from Avis to head out on a fishing trip today.