At first I was dead set against being required to get a license for recreational fishing but a license is required, usually at a modest fee, for everyone in every state or province. Very often non residents are required to pay more. And, yes this requiremwnt IS enforced. If you are fishing you must have your license on you, just like driving.

Without reinventing the wheel, perhaps Fisheries should investigate what is done elsewhere. No fact finding trips necessary. A day of trolling the internet should catch all the info needed.