A Guide to Maryland Fishing Licenses
Maryland License Types
If you’re looking to do some fishing in Maryland, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper license. There are different types of licenses depending on your fishing location and the type of fish you plan on catching.
To fish in tidal waters, you’ll need the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport fishing license. If you’re fishing in fresh waters, you’ll need a freshwater Maryland fishing license.
So before you head out to fish, make sure you’re properly licensed!
Who Can Fish Without a License?
In Maryland, anyone fishing for recreation must have a Maryland fishing license, except for those who are exempt.
Exemptions include anglers who are under 16 years old, those fishing on days designated as free fishing days, or in specific license-free fishing areas.
A complete list of exemptions can be found on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
Do You Need a Tidal or a Non-Tidal License?
Maryland offers both tidal and non-tidal fishing licenses. If you want to fish the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries, you’ll need a tidal license. Tidal waters include all portions of Maryland’s ocean coastline and back bays.
If you want to fish in any other Maryland waterway, you’ll need a non-tidal license. Non-tidal waters include all inland Maryland waterways, such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
You can purchase both types of licenses online or at any Maryland Department of Natural Resources office.
If you’re unsure which license you need, the Maryland DNR has a handy tool on its website that can help you determine which license is right for you based on the type of waterway where you’ll be fishing.
Chesapeake Bay Coastal Sport Fishing License
If you’re fishing the Chesapeake Bay or any of Maryland’s coastal waters, you’ll need a Coastal Sport Fishing License. You can purchase this license online through the DNR website using the MD DNR Compass feature.
The cost is $15 for residents and $22.50 for non-residents, and it’s valid for one year from the date of purchase.
If you’re fishing as a guest from a charter boat, you’ll also need a Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration, which is free.
How Much Does a Maryland Fishing License Cost for Residents?
The cost of a Maryland fishing license will depend on what type of license you need.
For state residents, there are two main types of licenses: the nontidal sport fishing license and the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License.
The yearly nontidal sport fishing license is valid for all types of fishing except tidal, and it costs $20.50. If you want to fish for trout, you need to buy a trout stamp for $5.
The yearly Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License is good for all kinds of saltwater fishing in the bay and coastal areas, and it costs $15.
If you only want to fish in the bay or coastal areas for a week, you can buy the 7-Day Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License for $6.
The yearly Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing License costs $5 for residents aged 65 or older.
How Much Is the Fee for a Non-Resident Maryland Fishing License?
The fee for a non-resident Maryland fishing license also depends on the type of license you need.
The yearly non-resident nontidal sport fishing license is $30.50, while the non-resident 7-day nontidal sport fishing license is only $7.50. If you only want a license for three days, the non-resident 3-day nontidal sport fishing license is just $5.
If you’re looking to fish for trout, you’ll need to get the non-resident trout stamp, which costs $10.
If you’re looking to fish in coastal areas or the Chesapeake Bay, you can purchase the yearly non-resident Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License for $22.50.
Or, if you want to fish for just a week, the non-resident 7-day Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License is just $12.
Can You Buy a Maryland Fishing License Online?
If you’re planning on fishing in Maryland, you’ll need to make sure you have a fishing license.
The good news is that you can easily purchase fishing licenses online. Just visit the Maryland DNR website and follow the instructions. You’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name and address, and then you can pay for your license using a credit or debit card.
Once they process your payment, you’ll be able to print out your fishing license and start fishing right away.
So if you’re looking for a convenient way to get your fishing license, buying it online is the way to go.
Do Senior Citizens in Maryland Need a Fishing License?
If you’re a senior citizen fishing in Maryland, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license.
The answer is yes, all anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license unless they are exempt.
However, there is some good news for seniors: residents who are 65 and older can obtain a resident senior consolidated license for $5. This license includes tidal, non-tidal, and trout stamp licenses.
Do You Need a License to Fish off a Pier in Maryland?
Generally, you need a license to fish off of a pier. An exception is if you’re fishing off of a commercial fishing pier, such as the fishing pier in Ocean City Maryland.
Saltwater Angler Registry
If you’re planning on doing any saltwater fishing in Maryland, you’ll need to register with the Saltwater Angler Registry.
The Registry is a free, online system that helps the state track fishing activity and ensure that anglers are compliant with regulations.
You can register for the Saltwater Angler Registry and purchase a Maryland fishing license online at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
Do You Need a Fishing License to Surf Fish in Maryland?
In Maryland, anyone fishing in tidal waters must have a fishing license, regardless of the fishing method used. This includes surf fishing. The only exception is for those on a charter boat, a licensed fishing pier, or under the age of 16.
If you’re planning to do any surf fishing in Maryland, be sure to get a fishing license first. You can easily purchase one online or at most sporting goods stores.
With a fishing license in hand, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Maryland’s coastline has to offer.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Maryland Fishing License?
If you’ve lost your fishing license, don’t worry you can replace it. The first step is to visit the Maryland DNR website. From there, you’ll need to enter some basic information, such as your name and date of birth.
Once you’ve located your record, you can print out a new copy of your Maryland fishing license.
Replacing your fishing license is a quick and easy process, so you can get back to enjoying the great outdoors in no time.
Do You Need a License to Crab in MD?
Those persons 16 years old or older must have a valid crabbing license in order to crab in Maryland.
The exception is if you are using dip nets, hand lines, assisting someone who has a crabbing license, on a boat with a recreational crab boat decal, or crabbing from a privately owned shoreline.
Crabbing licenses are available for both residents and non-residents.
The regulations regarding crabbing licenses change from time to time, including the MD crab season, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest information.
How Much Is a Maryland Recreational Crab License?
The cost of a license for recreational crabbing in Maryland depends on your residency status and whether you use a boat.
The current resident Maryland crab license for sale costs $5 for a year, while a non-resident license costs $10.
If you have the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License or a Resident Senior Consolidated Sport Fishing License, the resident fee for a crabbing license drops to $2.
The cost of a boat license for recreational crabbing is $15.
The Fishing in Maryland Is Great!
Maryland fishing licenses are for all anglers 16 and older, with some exceptions.
In Maryland, there are a variety of fishing licenses available depending on your age, residency status, and fishing method.
You can easily purchase a Maryland fishing license online or at most sporting goods stores in the state.
So, if you’re looking to go crabbing or fishing in Maryland, be sure to have a valid fishing license first!
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