NJ Saltwater Fishing Registry Goes To Governor

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A plan to create a free saltwater fishing registry that would let anglers avoid a $15 federal fee to cast their lines into the ocean is headed to the governor's desk.

The state Assembly passed the measure on Thursday. Gov. Chris Christie has not indicated whether he will sign it.

The bill does not fund the registry, which helps the federal government keep track of who is catching what. That could be problematic for the budget-cutting Christie, who has shown no willingness to take on additional spending responsibilities for the cash-strapped state.

The state's Recreational Fishing Alliance has promised to work with the governor to consider other ways to fund the state registry.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)