Washington fishing license expired April 1st.  So it is time to buy a new fishing license for 2011/2012.  But first you need to send in last year’s catch card.  So if you had a salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon catch card for the last season; mail it in to WDFW today. 

You can buy a fishing license online or you can stop in at your local tackle store, many sporting stores, Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart, and other locations to buy your new license. 

It is always a good idea to buy your fishing license at the beginning of the license year.  I know many people will wait to buy their license until they actually fish for the year, which could cause you a headache.  Some license locations could be closed when you want to get your license.  I have also seen some locations have problems with the connection of their licensing computer.  This means you have to find another location to get a license. So be prepared and get your license ahead of time. 

Over the years I have had several clients show up to fish for the day, only to find out they were not given a catch card for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.  Make sure you ask for a catch card.  Even if you mostly fish for trout and you are not sure if you will fish for these species, it is a good idea to get a catch card.  A friend may invite you to fish for salmon, or your loved one may buy a fishing trip for you as a gift.  Catch cards are free.  You just need to ask for one. 

Even though kids under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license, they do need a catch card if they are fishing for steelhead, salmon, or sturgeon.  So if it is possible you will take your child with you, get them a catch card too. 

When you buy a license you will receive a parking permit.  Make sure you write down your vehicle license number on the parking permit and use it when you go to any WDFW controlled area and even boat launches.  So let’s say you fish with a guide.  Many of the boat ramps you will meet your guide to fish require the parking permit.  Put it in your window.  You do not want to come back to your vehicle to find a ticket for not having a permit, when you actually do. 

There are a few other considerations when buying a license.  First, if you plan on fishing the Columbia River or any river which dumps into the Columbia, such as the Cowlitz, the Lewis, etc., you need to buy the Columbia River enhancement endorsement. 

Also, if you plan on crabbing for the year you can add this too. But be mindful you will receive a summer catch card and a winter catch card.  Each catch card must be reported separately and by the due date WDFW issues.  You can pay a $10 penalty for failure to report. I know some people crab in the summer and report their catch card.  They forget to report their winter catch card and have to pay a $10 fee later. 

Lastly, Washington State now has a two pole endorsement for some lakes.  That is right I said some lakes.  There are many people who are misinformed about the two pole endorsement.  They think it is good for wherever they fish.  This is an easy way to get a ticket from law enforcement.  You need to look carefully at the Washington State fishing rules pamphlet to see if some of the lakes you fish have a two pole endorsement. 

So the new fishing year is here!  Get a license and get outdoors!  Take a kid fishing.  You will be glad you did.  Fishing has so much to offer.  Remember, it is fishing not catching, so if you have a slow day stay positive and encourage the young ones.