Since New York State (NYS)  made it mandatory for all recreational anglers to have a Saltwater Fishing License starting October 1st, 2009, we have been asked repeatedly about the license and where they can be purchased. Unfortunately, Causeway Bait and Tackle does not sell licenses but we have compiled a list of locations around Nassau County and Suffolk County where you may purchase the saltwater license. We have also included where you can buy the license online. Freshwater Fishing Licenses can also be purchased at the locations listed.

*UPDATE AUGUST 5, 2011*

NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to refund over $1.3 million in fees to saltwater anglers and charter boat operators. For more information, read NYS Saltwater Anglers to Receive License Refund. This article has links to the DEC website with contact numbers to call if you do not receive your refund by September 15, 2011. 

*UPDATE MARCH 31, 2011*

On March 31, 2011, The New York State (NYS) Legislature reversed the necessity for a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. Therefore, you no longer need to purchase a license for saltwater fishing. Anglers 16 years of age and older will need to sign up for a non-fee registry.

If no further action is taken by the NYS Legislature come December 31, 2013, the fishing license will need to be purchased again. For additional information, visit the DEC website. Let’s hope the new regime stays on the ball with this. Thanks to all who worked to reverse this license. We can now enjoy this wonderful hobby the way we used to.

Please note Causeway Bait and Tackle does not have any affiliation with any of organizations listed below.

The Saltwater Fishing License (Recreational Marine Fishing License) applies to persons 16 years of age and older. The cost of the licenses range from $4 for a 1 day resident license to $15 for a non-resident license. Yearly fishing licenses are $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. A lifetime salt water license for residents can be purchased for $150. The licenses are good for the calendar year and expire on December 31st at midnight each year. Additional information about the Recreational Marine License can be found here.

Where to buy in Nassau County

Town of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay Clerks Office

Village of Massapequa Park & Valley Stream Buildings

The Sports Authority – located in Westbury & Massapequa

Wal-Mart – located in Westbury, Massapequa & Valley Stream

Dick’s Sporting Goods – 630 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530

A & E Sportsman – 27 Stringham Ave., Valley Stream, NY 11580

Hunter Sports – 4166 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa, NY 11758

C & B Archery – 11 Commercial St., Hicksville, NY 11801

L.I. Outdoorsman – 434 Sunrise Hwy, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

T & T Gunnery – 3778 Merrick Rd., Seaford, NY 11783

South Shore Sportsman – 9 Landsdowne Ave., Merrick, NY 11566

T & T Tactical – 2180 Jericho Tpke., Garden City, NY 11040

Where to buy in Suffolk County

Town of Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton, Huntington, Islip, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Southampton, Southold Clerks Office

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation – S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook Building 40, Stony Brook, NY 11790

Shinnecock Indian Nation – Shinnecock Indian Reservation, Southampton, NY 11969

Unkechaug Indian Nation – P.O. Box 86, Mastic, NY 11950

The Sports Authority – located in Commack, Riverhead, Stony Brook and Bohemia

Dick’s Sporting Goods – located in Lake Grove & Melville

Wal-Mart – located in Islandia, Commack, Riverhead and Middle Island

Terminal Tackle Company – 120 Main St., Kings Park, NY 11754

Benson’s Gun Shop – 35 J Middle Country Rd., Coram, NY 11727

Hi-Hook Bait & Tackle – 33 New York Ave., Huntington, NY 11743

American Outdoor Sports – 2040 Broad Hollow Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735

J and J Bait and Tackle – 265 W. Main St., Patchogue, NY 11772

Edwards Discount Center – 1352 E. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901

Long Island Shooting Range of Brookhaven – Rte. 25, Ridge, NY 11961

Johnny’s Tackle Shop – 786 Main St., Montauk, NY 11954

The Suffolk Sportsman – 119 E. Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787

Wildlife Enterprises – 734 Horseblock Rd., Farmingville, NY 11738

The Camp-Site Sport Shop – 1877 New York Ave., Huntington Station, NY 11746

Online Purchases

If you’d like to purchase the license online, you may click here to visit the D.E.C.A.L.S. site. All necessary information needed to purchase the Saltwater Fishing License can be found on this site.