

#Charter fishing license
Sport Trolling License Information - instructions, grid maps, monthly report form Outlying Water Sport Trolling License Application - new applications only Information on the new rule, training opportunities, video and paper instructions, and other critical information is posted below. On May 1, 2023, this rule was approved and electronic reporting is required for sport trollers on the Great Lakes. The testing group provided excellent feedback and enhancements were made to the form to ensure a seamless transition to electronic reporting. The Department worked with a small group of charter captains (20) to test the application and sport trolling form.

The Governor approved the rule on November 10, 2022, and the Legislature reviewed it in early 2023. This rule requires electronic trip reporting for those charter captains who are required to hold a sport trolling license under s. On October 26, 2022, the Natural Resources Board adopted the permanent reporting rule for sport trolling licensees. The next step was to hold an informational meeting so stakeholders could see the latest information and provide feedback on the appropriate electronic system to capture these critical data. This was the first step in the process and was approved by the Natural Resources Board. The Department created a scope statement that allowed us to begin discussions with stakeholders on possible rule changes to help us manage this important fishery. As technology has advanced, the ability for a cost- and time-effective electronic solution has become a reality. Since the start of mandatory reporting in 1976, charter captains have been reporting on paper forms provided by the Department.

To correctly manage the salmon and trout fisheries of the Great Lakes, information from charter captains on their fishing activity is very important.
