SECTION 800:15-1-2. License requirements

  A commercial fishing license, contract or helper's permit for the removal of undesirable or nongame fish from public waters in this state may be issued in accordance with 29 O.S., Sections 4-103, 4-104, 4-105 and 6-202 and the following provisions:

(1)   Only persons possessing a currently valid Oklahoma fishing license can apply.

(2)   Prior to issuance of a commercial fishing contract, the applicant shall file with the Department a good and sufficient surety bond, by a surety company licensed to do business in this state, in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) which will be subject to forfeiture upon conviction for the violation of any provisions of this Section.

(3)   Contracts will be issued only as part of Commission approved management program.

(4)   Contracts may be issued according to the following:

(A)   Contract fishermen must possess a current, valid commercial fishing license.

(B)   Contracts to be on a competitive bid basis where two or more persons apply for the same contract area.

(C)   A maximum of two percent (2%) of the total catch value will be paid to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

(D)   Contracts to specify waters, or any area thereof, to be fished commercially.

(E)   Contracts to specify species and sizes of fish to be removed.

(F)   Contracts to specify types of equipment (nets, traps, seines, etc.) and mesh sizes of each type.

(G)   Contracts to specify dates of beginning and ending of fishing operations in any waters or areas thereof.

(H)   Helper's permits will be issued only under a contract operation.