the following e-mail from DNREC. This is an excerpt.
""As of Jan. 1, 2009, Delaware has required all anglers age 16 and older, including those exempt from purchasing a fishing license, to obtain a F.I.N. number annually from the state fishing registry. Getting a new number for 2010 can be done online or with a phone call, at no charge," said Fisheries Administrator Craig Shirey. "And, there are no plans to begin charging for registration in the future," he added.
The First State's F.I.N. registry was established so that Delaware could provide its own information for a new federal registry that will begin charging fees in 2011. With the state registry in place, Delaware anglers will be exempt from participating in the federal registry and paying federal fees."
I think it covers you if you only fish in Delaware Any other tidal water you may need to sign up.. I read on the NOAA site they think the fee will be between $15 and $25
Just what we need another fee to fish
As with anything the Feds set up - who really knows. But I do think Wayne is correct, Delaware anglers won't have to register if they hold a Delaware tidal/saltwater license (as Delaware reports to the Fed) when fishing Delaware tidal waters. A Delaware license doesn't cover tidal water in other states, and if that state does not report you'll need a Federal registration. If all states adjoining the Chesapeake or other tidal waters would report, then you could avoid the Federal Registry. Best deal would be if the Potomac Fisheries Commission reported, that would cover most of the tidal water associated with the Chesapeake water shed. If you're only fishing Delaware tidal, you'll be covered by the state license, but I wouldn't rely on it to cover the (Fed) registry requirement in another state.
I believe it said on the web site that you have to sign up unless you sign up with an exempted agency such as Delaware. I do not believe it said you had to sign up again if you fished outside the waters of that jurisdiction.
Maybe someone should call NOAA to find out.