Md. Code Regs. 08.02.01.07 – Recreational Fishing License and Registration.

A. Nontidal Angler’s License. A person shall be licensed in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-604, Annotated Code of Maryland, to fish in the nontidal waters of the State.
B. Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License and Registration.
1. (1) A person shall be licensed or registered in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-745, Annotated Code of Maryland, to fish for finfish in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries up to tidal boundaries or in State waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic coastal bays and tributaries.
2. (2) Special Licenses.
  1. (a) Charter Boat License. The Department may issue a special charter boat license decal to an individual who pays the fee set forth in Natural Resources Article, §4-745, Annotated Code of Maryland, that is valid in tidal waters of the State for all individuals on a:
    1. (i) Single vessel operated by a fishing guide licensed in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-210.1 or 4-701, Annotated Code of Maryland; or
    2. (ii) Vessel under the guidance of a fishing guide licensed in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-210, Annotated Code of Maryland.
  2. (b) Recreational Boat License.
    1. (i) The Department may issue a special Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license decal, which when permanently affixed to a boat registered in any state shall authorize any person on the boat to fish for finfish in the Chesapeake Bay or in its tributaries up to tidal boundaries or in State waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic coastal bays and tributaries, to an individual who pays the fee set forth in Natural Resources Article, §4-745, Annotated Code of Maryland; and
    2. (ii) The license decal may not be used on a boat that has been hired to take persons fishing.
3. (3) License Decals. Except as provided in §B(4) of this regulation, a decal issued in place of a special license described in §B(2) of this regulation:
  1. (a) Shall be permanently affixed and displayed on either side of the forward half of the vessel for which issued;
  2. (b) Is not transferable;
  3. (c) Shall be color coded, dated, and of a size to be visible; and
  4. (d) Shall, when displayed, exempt all persons aboard the vessel for which the decal was issued or under the guidance of a licensed fishing guide from the requirement of possessing an individual license to fish recreationally.
4. (4) Exemption for License Decals. If the license decal is not permanently affixed to the vessel, all persons aboard the vessel or under the guidance of a licensed fishing guide are exempt from the requirement of possessing an individual license to fish recreationally only if:
  1. (a) The individual who purchased the license decal is present on the vessel for which the decal was issued;
  2. (b) The individual who purchased the license decal is in possession of the proof of purchase issued by the Department; and
  3. (c) The license decal was purchased within the previous 10 calendar days.
5. (5) Replacement Decals. If the decal issued in place of a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license is lost or destroyed, the person to whom the decal was originally issued may apply for Replacement decal by submitting to the Department:
  1. (a) An application on a form required by the Department that includes a statement regarding the need for replacement; and
  2. (b) A fee of $5.
6. (6) Registration. A person shall be registered in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-745, Annotated Code of Maryland prior to fishing in the following areas that do not require a fishing license:
  1. (a) A free fishing area described in §D of this regulation with hook and line;
  2. (b) On private real property bordering on tidal water as an owner or tenant of the property, or a spouse or an immediate family member who resides on the property with the owner or tenant; and
  3. (c) On a boat licensed as a recreational boat as described in §B(2)(b) of this regulation.
7. (7) Possession of License or Registration.
  1. (a) The Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or registration shall be in the possession of the person fishing and is not transferable.
  2. (b) In addition to possession of the Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or registration, the person fishing shall also possess a separate form of identification.
C. Consolidated Senior Sport Fishing License. A Maryland resident in the calendar year in which they attain the age of 65 shall be licensed in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-216, Annotated Code of Maryland, to fish for finfish in the nontidal waters of the State, Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, or in State waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic coastal bays and tributaries.
D. Free Fishing Areas in Tidal Waters. An individual fishing in an area described in this section shall be registered in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-745, Annotated Code of Maryland, and is exempt from all other license fees and requirements.
1. (1) Anne Arundel County — Annapolis — Maryland Route 450 bridge over the Severn River.
2. (2) Baltimore County — Cox’s Point on Back River and Deep Creek.
3. (3) Baltimore City:
  1. (a) Canton Recreational Pier at Boston Street Pier Park;
  2. (b) Canton Waterfront Park; and
  3. (c) Middle Branch Park from fishing pier south of the Hanover — Potee Street Bridges, to Hanover Street Bridge over Middle Branch.
4. (4) Caroline County:
  1. (a) Denton — Pier associated with G. Daniel Crouse Memorial Park on the east side of Choptank River north of Maryland Route 404 Bridge;
  2. (b) Federalsburg Municipal Park — City-owned bulkhead, pier and banks within park boundaries on Marshyhope Creek; and
  3. (c) Greensboro Waterfront Park — Upstream of the Sunset Avenue bridge within park boundaries on the Choptank River.
5. (5) Cecil County:
  1. (a) Charlestown — Town-owned stone wharf on the Northeast River near the corner of Conestoga and Water Streets and the historic site of Charlestown Wharf;
  2. (b) North East — North East Community Park at mouth of North East Creek; and
  3. (c) Perryville — Within the park boundaries of Ice House Park downstream of the Route 40 bridge on the Susquehanna River.
6. (6) Charles County — Friendship Landing — County-owned pier and property adjacent to the pier off Friendship Landing Road southeast of Ironsides Riverside Road (Route 425) on Nanjemoy Creek.
7. (7) Dorchester County — Cambridge — Long Wharf from south end of city-owned bulkhead associated with the Municipal Yacht Basin within Cambridge Creek to the end of east breakwater at mouth of the Municipal Yacht Basin.
8. (8) Harford County — Havre de Grace:
  1. (a) Tydings Memorial Park within designated area; and
  2. (b) Pier at the end of Congress Street.
9. (9) Kent County — Chestertown — Maryland Route 213 Bridge over Chester River.
10. (10) Somerset County:
  1. (a) Janes Island State Park — Bulkhead area on Daugherty Creek within the boundaries of Janes Island State Park; and
  2. (b) Crisfield City Dock — City dock/depot area at the end of West Main Street.
11. (11) Wicomico County:
  1. (a) Salisbury — City-owned bulkhead on the Wicomico River between Mill Street and Division Street;
  2. (b) Sharptown — Pier and town dock off Ferry Street on the Nanticoke River; and
  3. (c) Tyaskin Park — County-owned park on Wetipquin Creek west of Route 349 at Tyaskin.
12. (12) Worcester County:
  1. (a) Pocomoke City — City docks from Laurel Street boat ramp to U.S. Route 13 overpass and Winter Quarter dock on Pocomoke River;
  2. (b) Snow Hill — County bridge on Porter’s Crossing Road west of U.S. Route 113 and east of Route 354 on the Pocomoke River; and
  3. (c) Ocean City:
    1. (i) Bulkhead on Chicago Avenue between 2nd and 4th Streets; and
    2. (ii) Northside Park — Town-owned pier and park at 125th Street.
E. Free Fishing Area in Nontidal Waters.
1. (1) An individual fishing in the area described in this section is exempt from all license and stamp requirements.
2. (2) Frederick County — Gambrill State Park — Banks of the one acre pond located within Gambrill State Park boundaries, near the Park’s campground.

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§4-205, 4-205.1, 4-206, 4-212, 4-214, 4-215, 4-215.2, 4-2A-03, 4-216, 4-306, 4-405, 4-407, 4-602, 4-604, 4-701, 4-701.1, 4-735, 4-745, 4-1006, 4-1006.1, 4-1009, 4-1011, 4-1012, 4-1103, 4-11A-02, 4-11A-04—4-11A-09, 4-11A-11, 4-11A-20, and 4-11A-21; State Government Article, §10-206; Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulation .01 adopted effective April 29, 1991 (18:8 Md. R. 863)

Regulation .01 amended effective November 11, 1991 (18:22 Md. R. 2395); December 6, 1993 (20:24 Md. R. 1864); July 8, 2002 (29:13 Md. R. 990); March 26, 2018 (45:6 Md. R. 317)

Regulation .01A amended as an emergency provision effective July 13, 1994 (21:16 Md. R. 1378); adopted permanently effective September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1508)

Regulation .01A amended effective February 28, 1994 (21:4 Md. R. 274); July 3, 1995 (22:13 Md. R. 966); October 20, 1997 (24:21 Md. R. 1446); December 1, 1997 (24:24 Md. R. 1670); December 29, 1997 (24:26 Md. R. 1756); November 29, 1999 (26:24 Md. R. 1857); October 27, 2003 (30:21 Md. R. 1528); November 16, 2009 (36:23 Md. R. 1816); September 6, 2010 (37:18 Md. R. 1213); September 3, 2012 (39:17 Md. R. 1147); August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 952); August 26, 2019 (46:17 Md. R. 725); November 4, 2019 (46:22 Md. R. 976); August 8, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 757); August 5, 2024 (51:15 Md. R. 706)

Regulation .01G adopted effective March 29, 1993 (20:6 Md. R. 580)

Regulation .02 adopted as COMAR 08.02.07 effective July 23, 1975 (2:16 Md. R. 1138); amended effective August 15, 1983 (10:16 Md. R. 1450); recodified from COMAR 08.02.07 to 08.02.01.02 effective April 29, 1991 (18:8 Md. R. 863)

Regulation .02 amended effective April 4, 2011 (38:7 Md. R. 429)

Regulation .02A amended as an emergency provision effective October 11, 1983 (10:22 Md. R. 1963); emergency status expired February 7, 1984

Regulation .02B amended effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 952)

Regulation .02C repealed effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 952)

Regulation .03 adopted as COMAR 08.02.10.01 effective June 25, 1975 (2:14 Md. R. 1014); amended effective August 15, 1983 (10:16 Md. R. 1450); recodified from COMAR 08.02.10.01 to COMAR 08.02.01.03 effective April 29, 1991 (18:8 Md. R. 863)

Regulation .03 amended effective January 20, 1992 (19:1 Md. R. 23)

Regulation .04 adopted as COMAR 08.02.07.04 and recodified to 08.02.01.04 effective May 27, 1991 (18:10 Md. R. 1115)

Regulation .04 amended as an emergency provision effective October 10, 2001 (28:22 Md. R. 1931); emergency status expired December 31, 2001

Regulation .04B amended effective April 4, 2011 (38:7 Md. R. 429)

Regulation .04C amended effective April 13, 1992 (19:7 Md. R. 744); April 12, 1993 (20:7 Md. R. 640); March 14, 1994 (21:5 Md. R. 402); March 13, 1995 (22:5 Md. R. 366)

Regulation .05 adopted effective March 20, 2000 (27:5 Md. R. 582)

Regulation .05 amended effective June 23, 2003 (30:12 Md. R. 787); April 9, 2007 (34:7 Md. R. 697); April 2, 2012 (39:6 Md. R. 407); February 16, 2015 (42:3 Md. R. 314); March 26, 2018 (45:6 Md. R. 317)

Regulation .05A amended effective March 14, 2005 (32:5 Md. R. 579)

Regulation .05A amended as an emergency provision effective June 1, 2008 (35:13 Md. R. 1174); emergency status extended to December 16, 2008 (35:23 Md. R. 2011)

Regulation .05A amended effective December 1, 2008 (35:24 Md. R. 2077); February 8, 2010 (37:3 Md. R. 175); April 4, 2011 (38:7 Md. R. 429); February 15, 2016 (43:3 Md. R. 271); January 30, 2017 (44:2 Md. R. 84); January 27, 2020 (47:2 Md. R. 62); July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 655)

Regulation .05I adopted effective February 8, 2010 (37:3 Md. R. 175)

Regulation .05I amended effective July 26, 2010 (37:15 Md. R. 998)

Regulation .06 adopted effective April 12, 2004 (31:7 Md. R. 582)

Regulation .06B amended effective February 14, 2005 (32:3 Md. R. 289)

Regulation .07 adopted effective April 4, 2011 (38:7 Md. R. 429)

Regulation .07B amended effective July 1, 2019 (46:13 Md. R. 589); March 23, 2020 (47:6 Md. R. 340)

Regulation .07D amended effective March 2, 2015 (42:4 Md. R. 432); March 26, 2018 (45:6 Md. R. 317)

Regulation .08 adopted effective April 4, 2011 (38:7 Md. R. 429)

Regulation .09 adopted effective October 17, 2011 (38:21 Md. R. 1276)

Regulation .09A amended effective November 11, 2024 (51:22 Md. R. 963)

Regulation .09H amended effective February 13, 2017 (44:3 Md. R. 188)

Regulation .10 adopted effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 659)

Regulation .10A amended effective August 8, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 757)

Regulation .11 adopted effective October 29. 2012 (39:21 Md. R. 1377)

Regulation .12 adopted effective November 25, 2013 (40:23 Md. R. 1932)

Regulation .12B amended effective June 15, 2020 (47:12 Md. R. 595); February 8, 2021 (48:3 Md. R. 93); December 11, 2023 (50:24 Md. R. 1040); January 6, 2025 (51:26 Md. R. 1186)

Regulation .13 adopted effective March 30, 2015 (42:6 Md. R. 510)

Regulation .13B amended effective December 14, 2020 (47:25 Md. R. 1067); December 12, 2022 (49:25 Md. R. 1049)

Regulation .13D amended effective June 5, 2017 (44:11 Md. R. 524)

Regulation .13E adopted effective December 11, 2023 (50:24 Md. R. 1040)

Regulation .14 adopted effective November 9, 2015 (42:22 Md. R. 1377)

Regulation .15 adopted effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 953)

Regulation .16 adopted effective February 11, 2019 (46:3 Md. R. 106)

Regulation .16C amended effective September 23, 2019 (46:19 Md. R. 813); March 9, 2020 (47:5 Md. R. 310)