Our forefathers would have rioted it they had to get a fishing license, especially those who like to trout fish and need to get an additional trout stamp to get valid.

Freshwater fishing for bass, pickerel, perch, trout, walleye and other species should be an activity available to anyone. It seems like that should be a fundamental right.

Let's take state like New Jersey as an example. In New Jersey you need to shell out $33 bucks for a license. Not only that they get hosed for 7% sales tax (plus all kinds of other taxes if you are in business). PLUS they have the highest property taxes in the nation. Seems like part of that 7% sales tax could be spent on the fish hatcheries instead of shiny state cars and limousines for those in office; they're the ones who could best afford to buy their own high-class ride.

Seems like free men (and women) should be able to fish without a license. Even King George wouldn't tax a fisherman!

The 1st time penalty in New Jersey is a fine of $200 or imprisonment up to 90 days PLUS $20 for each fish taken. Repeat offenders get $1,000 fine if caught within a 12-month period. I couldn't get a clear answer on the prison time. I've heard many stories of confiscated the fishing equipment.

Hey, what's a homeless guy supposed to do?