DAPHNE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Following several citations given to people during a jubilee in June, Alabama House Representative Matt Simpson of Daphne pre-filed a bill aiming to eliminate the need for fishing licenses to participate in jubilees.
Jubilees happen when sea life gathers at shallower depths due to a lack of oxygen in deeper waters — leaving people able to stand in the water and grab fish at the shore.
A close look at birds passing through the Gulf Coast (photos)
In Alabama, it is required to have a recreational fishing license, and without one, people can face fines if seen fishing in the waters.
“Why does my family have to have, you know, out of towners have to have a fishing license from Alabama to go walk out in the waters and pick up a flounder that’s right there ankle deep?” Simpson questioned.
Simpson pre-filed House Bill 55, which would remove the requirement to need a fishing license to participate in jubilees specifically. He said he hopes his bill will differentiate between “fishing” and participating in a jubilee.