Legislature considers free fishing for oldest anglers

Posted at 11:04 AM on March 30, 2009 by Tim Pugmire

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would let all Minnesota residents age 90 or older fish for free.

The measure, which was heard today by the Senate environment and natural resources committee, would issue fishing licenses without a fee to anglers in that age group. The bill is named for Irene Long of Isle, a 91-year-old constituent of Sen. Lisa Fobbe, DFL-Zimmerman. Long told committee members that she wants to keep fishing with her friends on Mille Lacs Lake.

"And when you've got fixed incomes like most of us that's been going, we just would like to have the license even lower or otherwise nothing at all, so we can all go fishing, "Long said. "Because we all have such a wonderful time out there on the lake. We laugh and joke and have a good time."

A DNR official told lawmakers that 937 fishing licenses were issued last year to residents age 90 or older. He did not speak against the bill, but estimated the measure would cost the state about $16,000 a year.

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