MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents wanting to fish here during the coming summer months are required to obtain a fishing license from the station game warden.
Applicants must be 16 years or older and become familiar with the rules associated with fishing here before receiving their license.
“Anybody that is going to fish on base whether it’s Japanese Self Defense Force, U.S. civil service, military family members or active duty, need a fishing license,” said Michael Gingles, the station game warden.
Station residents can sign up to receive a license free of charge from the station game warden at the telephone office in Building 471.
After submitting their name and information with the game warden, applicants will receive their license within three to 10 days along with a packet of information delineating the station rules on fishing.
The game warden also provides pictures outlining which dangerous fish station residents should be aware of while fishing.
Gingles said fishing is a good way to relax but residents wanting to fish must always keep safety in mind.
Some of the safety regulations station residents are required to follow while fishing include no drinking alcoholic beverages and to only fish in the designated marina area outlined in a map provided by the game warden.
Another regulation states that residents must check in and out with the boathouse prior to and after fishing.
Failure to follow these rules can result in the loss of fishing privileges and a minor offense report sent to the violator’s command.
Licensed residents adhering to the regulations are free to enjoy their time fishing with a few tips the game warden likes to give out.
Gingles always tells people the best time to fish is about an hour before the tide moves in, to an hour after it stops.
Residents can check tidal information at www.iwakuni.usmc.mil/organizations/station/weather.
Station residents are catching 70-centimeter flounders, 7-pound sea bass and some Hamachi yellow tail tuna, Gingles said.
Military and family members are already enjoying their time fishing at the designated area along the sea wall by the marina.
“Its awesome fishing there,” said Sgt. Albert Esperanza, a consolidated automatic support system technician with Marine Aviation and Logistics Squadron 31.
Esperanza said the biggest fish he’s caught was a thick sea bass as big as his arm.
Station residents wanting to check-out fishing equipment can go to Outdoor Recreation at the IronWorks Gym.
Residents interested in checking out equipment should have their ID and fishing license in hand.
For off base fishing, residents can apply for a license at a fishing store called, The Point, found outside the North gate after making a right at the red light. The store is located on the left.