we sent in our application for fishing license weeks ago..they said they would process them 2 weeks before our trip..leaving next Saturday so we called and she said they weren't processed yet and would be by next Friday..seems like they are cutting it very close..is this usual?..really need the license..fishing is a big part of our trip

We sent ours in 1-2 weeks ago as well and haven't heard anything back. Did you send your payment information with the application? We did not and I hope that didn't screw it up!

I need to send in mine. Can someone repost the link.

http://www.bvitourism.com/fishing
we didnt send in the payment at first and then never heard from them..so we called and gave them the info over the phone.

you can do this through email in one or two days, unless something has changed

Thanks. I'm 5 weeks out so I'll need to get on this asap.

Tradewinds has or had a direct email address.

In the off season the response for a fishing license was very fast 2 days typically. We sailed last week, it took two weeks for the license. The delay was partially my fault, forgot to scan passport.

My advice: ensure form is complete, include credit card info and scan of passport. Send this to: Natoya Clyne at NRL@gov.vg if you do not receive it in a week, call her at 284-468-3701

http://www.bvitourism.com/resources#Fishing

It seems to have changed and NOT for the better. I've gotten BVI fishing licenses at least 10x over the years with prompt service via email. Last December I applied only a week or so before I needed it. A last minute change of plans... About a week after my application, which did have my CC info, I got an email acknowledging that my license obviously wouldn't be granted by the start date I requested. They just wanted to confirm that I was still interested for the following 30 days. Very thoughtful, I'm impressed. I tell them to go ahead and email me the license as soon as possible and just have it run for 30 days. A few days later I get a call informing me that they've somehow lost my application and could I resubmit it? Uh, NO! At this point my patience was done. I cleared out of the BVI that day and sailed to the SVI with lines out trolling 1' past the BVI border. We were fortunate enough to catch a nice mahi along the north side of St Thomas. We spent the following two weeks, and our money around Culebra. Yes I will probably try to be blessed with a fishing license again in the BVI next year, maybe.

The current email is what's posted earlier. I'm excited to get some lines in the water in 2 wks.

So for applying for a fishing license with a charter company and you don't know the name of the vessel, registration, port of registration, etc do you just enter something like "Sunsail Charter"?

I know its a little less money to apply directly but just as info I got mine through Last Stop Sports. I ordered gear from them as well so they will email me the license and bring the original when they deliver the gear. The process was VERY simple and they got back to me very promptly.

anyone know anyone at the bvi tourism office..i talked to them and they said it would be issued by friday but that was a week ago and we are leaving this saturday..dont understand why it has to be so last minute..we applied with all our info a month ago and they said they received it all.but our cc has not been charged yet..if there is a glitch on friday and they are closed saturday and sunday it will really put a crimp in our plans. i figure it is too late to go thru any other channels..thought we did everything right..and i dont want to keep calling them

Try Natoya Clyne, NClyne@gov.vg
She works in that division and typically is helpful.

I have always contended the charter companies should get involved with the fishing license process. They could add a surcharge like Last Stop.

I called last week and they had no record of our application. We resent it a 5 days ago and hadn't heard anything back. I just called again and she said she found it and it would be emailed to me by Friday (we also get there Saturday)- hopefully it gets done!

A fishing license seems like a fairly simple potential revenue stream for the BVI Govt. In the past I've literally got a return email moments after sending in the form and CC info. I'm not opposed to paying a fee to fish there but waiting weeks or months is not going to make it easy for people to play by the rules.

got the license today!

I was just coming on here to saw we got ours as well!

The whole fishing license for a charter boat issue in the BVI is a mess. It could be so easily solved and increase revenue for the government.
When you go to pay your cruising taxes have one more block to check for the permit. Fishing, yes/no. Cost xxx.
G

exactly what I am saying George, it's a win-win for everyone. BVI might be the only Caribbean island that requires a fishing license. For all you people running to Wiki, I said "might" I have been to many of the Leewards and Windwards and I can not remember anyone telling me they will confiscate my boat for fishing <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

I think Even's right to a point. I've spent a lot of time in the Windwards and if I remember correctly the license is rolled into your cruising permit.

Does anyone have any information on this? I was just reading on Last Stop Sports website:

If you don't have a boat name, your license can not be sent for approval until we get it from the Charter Company (They may provide it only a few days before your arrival.)

https://www.laststopsports.com/Fishing_Cart.htm


I know that Sunsail/Moorings will not give you the name of the boat until you arrive so how does this work?

we went thru the gov website and they said put Moorings charter as the name of the vessel and moorings contract # under registration # and N/A for port of registration..and we go our license

Thanks Galigs. Just what I needed to know.

What does the fishing licence cost and low long does it last?

It might have changed since 2008 but they used to be available for a week or a year
The rate for a year used to be about $350.

It's $45 and good for 30 days.

how many license should a boat have as it's not hardcore fishing rather trolling while you get to your next location?

Anyone handling a line should have a license.

I have been buying the licenses for a number of years so am not trying to avoid it. I am curious however, has anyone ever been checked or do you know anyone who has been checked while fishing.

Not a recent story but a description of what can happen. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

http://www.soundingsonline.com/component/content/article/216962

There is an article on BVI News that the place to obtain your fishing license is now changing to Conservation and Fisheries Department. Here is their phone number and email, 468-2700 or email at [email]cfd@gov.vg.[/email]

You can find the article here:

http://bvinews.com/new/fishing-license-no-longer-being-processed-at-ministry/

Just got mine by email this morning.

Well that's good to know. Funny thing is that on BVI Conversation and Fisheries web site they still list the old contact info and tell you to contact The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour.

http://www.bvidef.org/1/index.php/fisheries-resources/bvi-fishing-licences

Just to follow up on this for anyone applying for a fishing license. I first called the Conservation and Fisheries Department and was told fishing licenses are handled by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The lady was very nice and transferred my call there. I spoke with another nice lady and she told me they do not process the applications for a fishing license until 2 weeks before your arrival. I am getting there in June so I asked about the responsibility for fishing licenses transferring to the BVI Conservation and Fisheries Dept May 1. She confirmed that and then I asked if I should reapply to them after May 1st. She really didn't know but thought all the applications would transfer over.

Just FYI, you might want to follow up closely if you need a license in May or June while they make this change.

I will need a license for May, so I appreciate the info, Jboothe!

FS

Do children under 16yo need a license? very little info out there.

Anybody under the age of 18 can fish from a boat or from shore without a permit.

And just another follow up on this. I received an email back today stating:

"Good Day, When it is at least two weeks to your date of arrival please email the Department of Conservation and Fisheries at cfd@gov.vg as they are now the ones dealing with Fishing Licences". So it sounds like the switch is official