Gone fishin'

Obtaining a fishing license in Hamilton County has been a challenge, as there are no individuals or businesses in the county authorized to sell them. This has proven to put a damper on nature and tourism in the county and its municipalities because it forces people to go to another county to get one and by the time they get back home, the urge to “go fishin” has done gone.

Fortunately, that is about to change, as the town of White Springs recently voted to move forward and obtain a surety bond through their insurance company to obtain a license to sell fishing licenses.

At the Aug. 12 meeting of the White Springs Town Council, Keith Knipp, owner of Rooster’s Outfitters, made public his request to the town for help in obtaining a license to sell fishing licenses to his customers.

“A small business like me, I cannot afford a $10,000 bond and that’s what they require,” said Knipp. “The nearest place is 20 miles away.”

Knipp said people call him all the time asking if he sells licenses and when he tells them he doesn’t, he said he loses a lot of business.

“It’s not just me losing business,” he said. “The restaurants do, too.”

John Hanna from American Canoe Adventures said having a local place to buy a fishing license would help his business, as well.

“I have a lot of people that go on the river and they say ‘how can I get a fishing license,’ and I have to send them to Wal-mart,” Hanna said.

After a few phone calls to Tallahassee and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, town officials learned that it was possible to obtain a license to sell fishing licenses through a surety bond through their insurance company for a nominal fee of a little over $100.

“It’s a pretty simple process,” said Mayor Helen Miller. “If an individual does it, it requires a $10,000 bond. However, we’re a member of the League of Cities and we have insurance through the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust.”

After contacting the insurance company, the town learned they were eligible to get a $1,000 bond for $100. Actually, $101.30, Miller said, which Knipp offered to pay for.

“The FWC was very accommodating,” Miller said. “All the equipment comes free. You plug it in and they provide the training for it. This will add another service and benefit to the town of White Springs.”

Knipp offered to sell the licenses at his place of business, Rooster’s Outfitters, on behalf of the town, thereby, freeing up town administrative time selling the fishing licenses. Roosters is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m., which is another advantage because fisherman are known to hit the rivers not only just on weekends when town hall is closed, but also extremely early in the morning. Whatever profit is made off the sale of the licenses, which is roughly $.50 cents per license, Knipp said could go to the town.

Councilman Willy Jefferson made a motion to move forward with the request for the town to obtain the surety bond and to allow Knipp to sell the fishing licenses. Councilwoman Tonja Brown seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 3-0. Councilmen Rhett Bullard and Walter McKenzie were absent.

“Thank you,” Knipp told the council. “I’m not the only one who’s got anything to gain from this.”

Knipp noted that Family Traditions Restaurant opens and closes the same time as Roosters, so they will benefit, as well, from visitors who can now get a fishing license in the same town where they are going to spend the day fishing. Knipp said he and the restaurant often recommend each other’s businesses to their clientele.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Knipp said. “People have to work together.”

Town Manager Bill Lawrence vowed to work quickly with assistance from Attorney Fred Koberlein to obtain the license.

“The town needs it,” said Jefferson. “I think it’s a good deal.”