New Jersey anglers expecting a free saltwater registry by year's end will have to wait.
The bill, which passed in the Senate on Dec. 20, has to go back to the Assembly to have its language tweaked in order to be in agreement with existing law. The earliest it could reach Gov. Chris Christie's desk for signing would be Jan. 6.
It's either the free registry bill, or the $15 federal fee.
Fishermen who fish in federal waters or fish for anadromous species like striped bass, need to register with the NOAA's national registry.
www.countmyfish.noaa.gov
Before Jan. 1, 2011 The federal registry was still free and good for 365 days.