Ready To Go Fishing? Not Without A Fishing License

If you own a fishing boat in Maryland and want to make use of that new fishing rod, you need to know about fishing rules and fishing licenses in Maryland. Except for a couple of free fishing days in the spring, most everyone over the age of 15 who fishes on public waters in the "Old Line State" needs to have a fishing license or risk expensive fines.

How to get a fishing license in Maryland

Maryland offers a variety of fishing licenses for sports fishermen. Fishing licenses for Maryland residents are valid from January 1 through December 31. Below is just a sampling of the available licenses:

• Fresh water sports fishing (age 16 through 65) -- $20.50
• Coastal and Bay sports fishing (age 16 through 65) -- $15
• Resident consolidated (fresh water, tidal bays and Atlantic Ocean) sports fishing, age 65 and older -- $5
• Resident crabbing license -- $5
• Resident senior crabbing license (for holders of consolidated sports fishing license) -- $2

You can order Maryland fishing licenses online or purchase them at one of dozens of DNR service centers throughout the state.

To read more about Maryland fishing license requirements, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.

Maryland fishing license exemptions

Those who are exempt from having to obtain a fishing license include anyone under age 16, persons on military leave with orders, passengers on a commercial fishing charter, persons with a commercial fishing license and persons with a Potomac River sports fishing license. In addition, anyone can fish without a license on Maryland's free fishing days, which are usually over one weekend in early May.

Complimentary licenses are issued to blind residents and to disabled veterans and former prisoners of war.
Maryland offers diverse fishing opportunities, from the state's many rivers and streams to the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. Before you head out, just make sure that you have the proper license.