National Saltwater Angler Registry
Please Note: Registration is quick and easy. There is a $15 non-refundable fee to register. Anglers can register online at www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov or by calling our toll-free registration hotline at (888) MRIP-411 (888-674-7411). Operators are available 7 days a week from 4:00 am to 12:00 midnight (EST).
Anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and telephone number, and will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately. After approximately 30 days, they will receive a registration card in the mail.
Who Will Need to Register?
Recreational fishermen will need to sign up with the new National Saltwater Angler Registry if they:
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- DO NOT hold a saltwater fishing license from a state where they are automatically registered (the green states on the map). OR ...
- DO NOT meet any of the exceptions in the law (listed below).
AND ... - DO fish for or catch anadromous species in tidal waters; these are fish like striped bass, smelt, shad or river herring that spend part of their lives in fresh water and part in saltwater. OR ...
- DO fish in the Federal waters from the ocean shore or from the mouth of harbors, bays and rivers. Federal waters in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands begin at 3 miles from shore. Federal waters in Puerto Rico begin 9 miles from shore.
Exceptions include anglers who are under the age of 16; only fish on licensed charter, party or guide boats; hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit; or hold and are fishing under a valid commercial or subsistence fishing license or permit.
Not sure if you need to register? Click on the “do I need to register” button on our website at www.CountMyFish.noaa or call our fully-staffed registration hotline at (888) MRIP-411 (888-674-7411).
Why Register?
Registration is the law, and it helps NOAA and anglers work together to gather better data on angling catch to help ensure the future of saltwater fishing.
Stay informed. We will be updating this website as states sign agreements with NOAA and new tools are available. Sign up for the RSS feed to get the latest.
Learn more about the registry and how we’re working with anglers to ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.