Fishing License

by Gerry Ostrowski
(USA)

Question:

I would like to know if you need a fishing license to fish off the beach at Montego bay, Jamaica.

Thank you kindly,
Gerry

Anwser: Jan-22-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Gerry,

Thanks for your question.

I just came off the phone with both the Tourist Board and the TPDCO (Tourism Product Development Company)

Apparently, depending on the type of fishing, there are differernt rules:

For Spear Fishing

No licence is required. However if it not permitted in the boundaries of the Montego Bay Marine park.

The Marine Park extends from the Sangster's Airport down to Great River.

For Stop Fishing (Hook and Line)

There is a legislation but it is not enforced. In fact the fine is a paltry $50 JA dollars! according to Mr. Winston Reid at TPDCO.

The proper procedure is to get a permission letter from the Montego Bay Marine Park prior.

For Sports Fishing

...meaning Marlin or Tuna type fishing- which requires the use of a boat, rent or own, there is also no legislation.
However, a personal licence for the boat is needed, if it is owned.

If the same is done for commercial purposes, a fishing licence would be needed.
The Jamaica Tourist Board would provide further direction on that.

Hope that is helpful.

P.S.
The number for the Montego Bay Tourist Board office is 876-952-4425.

The number for TPDCO is 876-979-7988.

Regards,
Wellesley