GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT
SPORT FISHING
AND CRABBING LICENSES IN MARYLAND
Maryland sport fishing
and crabbing licenses are available via:
o
SPORT LICENSE AGENTS
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/service/netag2.asp
o
INTERNET LICENSE SALES
http://www.wildlifelicense.com/md/
o TELEPHONE -- toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-918-2870
o
DNR SERVICE CENTER by mail or in
person
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/service/center.htm
SPORT FISHING AND CRABBING LICENSES IN MARYLAND
NOTE: Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to obtain a license to sport fish/crab. They can, however, purchase a recreational crab license if they want to catch the bushel of crabs allowed with that license.
Resident Senior Consolidated License (available to MD residents only) allows a Maryland resident who is 65 years of age or older, or will become 65 years of age in the current calendar year, to fish in the fresh waters of Maryland (including trout) and in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from January 1 through December 31. A trout stamp is not required.
o Resident $5.00
Non-Tidal/Freshwater Licenses
ANNUAL NON-TIDAL LICENSE allows licensee to fish in the fresh waters of Maryland from January 1 through December 31.
o Resident $20.50
o Nonresident non-tidal license fees are equal to a $30.50 minimum or reciprocal for state of residence, whichever is greater.
3-day Non-tidal License (available to nonresidents only) allows licensee to fish the fresh waters of Maryland for 3 consecutive fishing days
o Nonresident non-tidal license fees are equal to the fee charged a MD resident for a similar license by non-resident’s home state.
5-day Non-tidal License allows licensee to fish the fresh waters of Maryland for 5 consecutive fishing days.
o Resident $7.50
o Nonresident non-tidal license fees are equal to the fee charged a MD resident for a similar license by non-resident’s home state.
TROUT STAMP ($5.00) allows anyone 16 years of age or older to fish in any special catch and return trout management area and to possess trout taken from non-tidal waters of Maryland. (This stamp is not required if you hold a Resident Senior Consolidated License.)
Tidal / Bay Sport Fishing Licenses
ANNUAL LICENSE allows licensee to fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from January 1 through December 31.
o Resident $15.00
o Nonresident $15.00
5-Day Bay Sport License allows licensee to fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for 5 consecutive days.
o $6.00 for residents and nonresidents
Consolidated Bay
Sport Boat License allows everyone on board a vessel used for pleasure to
recreationally fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in lieu
of individual licenses. A special complimentary Chesapeake Bay sport fishing
license, which includes recreational crabbing, will be issued to the boat owner
purchasing this license.
o $50.00 for residents and nonresidents
Bay Sport Charter Boat License allows individuals on board chartered vessels operated by MD licensed fishing guides to fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in lieu of individual licenses. These licenses are issued only to holders of Maryland Commercial Fishing Guide Licenses.
o $240.00 -- up to 6 passengers
o $290.00 -- more than 6 passengers
Crabbing Licenses
Crab season: April 1 to December 15
A recreational crabber may crab without a license 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week from docks, piers, bridges, boats and shorelines using dip nets and any number of handlines. A property owner may set a maximum of 2 crab pots per privately owned pier at their property.
Recreational Crabbing License is required of persons catching crabs for recreational purposes in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries using (a) trotline not to exceed 1,200 feet in length (baited portion), (b) 11 to 30 collapsible traps or rings, or (c) up to 10 eel pots for catching the individual’s own bait.
o Resident $5.00
o Holders of a Bay sport fishing license or a Resident Senior Consolidated fishing license $2.00
o Nonresident $10.00
Recreational Crabbing Boat License allows everyone on board a vessel to catch crabs for recreational purposes anywhere in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, and is in lieu of individual licenses. The following limits on gear apply to the vessel: (a) trotline not to exceed 1,200 feet in length (baited portion), (b) maximum 30 collapsible traps or rings, or (c) any number of handlines and dip nets.
o $15.00 for residents and nonresidents
Complimentary Licenses
BLIND – Complimentary annual tidal and non-tidal licenses are available to residents and nonresidents who are blind.
DAV/POW – A complimentary lifetime license is available to Maryland residents who are 100% service connected disabled veterans or former prisoners of war. The license incorporates both the non-tidal angler’s license and the Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license. It does not, however, include the trout stamp. Applicant must furnish a letter of disability or a letter of certification from the Veterans Administration with their initial application.
Replacement Licenses
Fishing and crabbing licenses and trout stamps can be
replaced at a reduced fee only at a DNR Regional Service Center (in
person or by mail).
Locate a Service Center
(http://www.dnr.state.md.us/service/center.htm)
o $5.00 for residents and nonresidents
§ Recreational crabbing boat license
§ Consolidated Bay sport boat license
o $1.00 for residents and nonresidents
§ Non-Tidal licenses
§ Tidal/Bay sport fishing licenses
§ Trout stamp
§ Recreational crabbing licenses
Holders of a Resident Bay Sport Fishing License or a Resident Senior Consolidated Fishing License may obtain this license for $2.00
NOTE: Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, Section 4-205(l)(1) mandates the collection of Social Security numbers from all recreational fishing license applicants. Under the Department's Privacy Policy, your Social Security number cannot be displayed on any documents accessible to the general public and can only be used by the Department in carrying out its governmental functions. It cannot be released to anyone else without your express permission.
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"To go fishing is the chance
to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the
shimmer of sun on blue water. It brings meekness and inspiration from the
decency of nature, charity toward tackle-makers, patience toward fish, a mockery
of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to
decide a darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of
men - for all men are equal before fish."
- Herbert Hoover
Last Updated
1/16/08