State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) pre-filed HB-55, which would remove the saltwater fishing license requirement during jubilees.
A jubilee occurs when bottom-dwelling sea life, such as flounder and crabs, comes to the surface due to a lack of oxygen in the water. It occurs only in the Gulf of Mexico and Asia and only happens a few times a year.
Once a jubilee is spotted, word gets around, and people flock to the water to catch fish, usually by hand or gig. Many times, people come home with coolers full of fish and crabs.
During a jubilee this year, a game warden caught up with people fishing and issued several citations, leading to locals asking lawmakers for change.
Simpson referred to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) in drafting the bill.
If passed, it would take effect on October 1, 2025.
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