Whether you want to freshwater fish or saltwater fish, Maryland is one of the best states to engage in this outdoor activity. Getting a license to fish is easier than you might think with the proper documentation. If you are a resident of the state, you will be required to present proof of residency. Maryland also offers a lifetime sportsman’s license for those who would like to fish for an extended period of time. Not everybody is required to obtain a fishing license, though. For example, visitors less than 18 and seniors more than 65 are exempt.
Before embarking on your fishing vacation, you will also want to think about how you’re getting to your destination. You may find that the most convenient way to travel to your destination is by plane, by boat or by car. If you want to be well-informed about the fishing regulations in Maryland, as well as brush up on safety tips, hiring a fishing guide is an option worth exploring. Not only will it enhance your overall experience, but it will also make you feel more confident about fishing. The Maryland Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission also offers various programs and educational material for people of all ages.
Table of Contents
In order to obtain a saltwater resident fishing license in the state of Maryland, you will be required to present certain documents that act as proof of residency. Certain acceptable documents include your Maryland drivers license, identification card of your FL military orders. If you do not have any of the aforementioned in your possession, then you can request a FL license to fish by presenting alternate proof of residency. Documents that will be accepted in this category include the following: Maryland Homestead Exemption, FL Voter Registration Card or Declaration of Domicile from your county clerk’s office.
If you are a visitor of the state, there are certain instances in which you do not have to apply for a saltwater non resident fishing license. For example, you do not need to obtain a saltwater fishing license if you fall in one of the groups below:
If you are a FL resident who is interested in freshwater fishing, you will then need to obtain the proper recreational fishing license. Maryland also offers a lifetime freshwater fishing license, but first, you will be required to present proof of residency in order to proceed. When requesting a freshwater license, the Maryland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will accept various documents, including your FL drivers license or ID card. If you are less than 18, you can submit your student ID card, along with your parent’s proof of residency instead. Those in the military who are stationed in the state can show current military orders.
Individuals who are more than 65 and residing in Maryland are not required to obtain a freshwater fishing license. Nonetheless, you are welcome to request a senior fishing card at no cost when visiting your local tax county collector’s office.
If you intend to freshwater fish for many years to come, then obtaining a lifetime freshwater fishing license may be the best choice. Maryland offers three lifetime sportsman's licenses:
You also need to present proof of residency when applying for this FL fishing license.
If you are an angler who would like to learn everything there is to know about fishing in Maryland waters, you can benefit from a wide array of educational courses, guided fishing programs and informational material online. More often than not you will find that several bait and tackle shops, as well as sporting retail stores, hold year-round special events to educate the public. Whether you’re an adult, a teacher or a family engaging in the sport of fishing, the Maryland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is also an excellent source for a number of learning opportunities.
The FFWCC makes it easy for you to learn about all the different types of fish species you can expect to find in Maryland. All across the state, a Free Kids’ Fishing Clinic Day is often hosted for children who want to educate themselves about marine life. This special event is designed for kids between the ages of five and 15.
As fun and educational as outdoor adventures like fishing can be, it is also important to make fishing safety a priority on your list. Keep yourself educated about both freshwater and saltwater regulations in Maryland, that way next time you set off on your fishing vacation, you’ll be more than well prepared for the day ahead.
Maryland is undoubtedly one of the best locations for any fishing enthusiast. Surrounded by clear blue waters, many anglers will find ideal destinations to embark on their ultimate fishing adventures. Some of the best fishing spots in FL include the following: Everglades National Park, Mosquito Lagoon, The Forgotten Coast, The Maryland Keys and Lake Okeechobee. Many fishing locations in the state have hotels close to marinas, providing greater convenience during your fishing vacation.
When preparing for your fishing trip, you may want to look at the number of different options available. For example, some of these may include getting to your destination by plane, by car, by charter boat or by seaplane, just to name a few. If you are on a tight budget, renting a car or booking a flight may be the more financially feasible option. Either way, many companies and agencies often offer great deals and special discounts, so it doesn’t hurt to contact them in advance to find out what you can take advantage of before your Maryland fishing excursion.
If you are unfamiliar with the fishing location you are traveling to, you should also consider hiring a licensed fishing guide. A fishing expert will be able to provide you with endless knowledge about everything from various fish species to top marinas in the area.
If you are thinking about joining a guided fishing organization or group in Maryland, there are several that may interest you. Two of the most popular ones include International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA Maryland).
The IGFA is a nonprofit organization that is committed to promoting responsible education about fishing, as well as collecting a vast number of historical documents and materials that pertain to sportfishing memorabilia. The CCA Maryland is a sportfishing advocacy organization that serves to represent Maryland anglers whenever potential new rules and regulations are up for voting. For example, the CCA Maryland passed legislation to ban destructive grift grill nets in the waters of Maryland.
Many of these organizations work toward a similar purpose: to serve and educate the fishermen and anglers of Maryland. Other fishing organizations simply aim to put together a day of fishing as a nonprofit venture. A prime example of this is the nonprofit organization Fishing with America’s Finest, which provides a full day of bass fishing in the Everglades for military personnel. If you would like to explore a great number of fishing trips and opportunities with like-minded people, consider getting involved one of these organizations.