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Maryland’s tidal waters, from the Chesapeake Bay’s legendary striped bass grounds to Ocean City’s surf-fishing havens, are governed by updated 2025 licensing rules designed to balance recreation with conservation. With stricter slot limits for rockfish and enhanced enforcement of license requirements, this guide serves as your authoritative roadmap to legal, sustainable fishing. Backed by verified Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) resources and local expertise, it ensures compliance while protecting the state’s marine ecosystems for future generations.
Begin Your License Application | Download 2025 Regulations (PDF)
Who Must Obtain a Maryland Saltwater Fishing License?
All anglers aged 16 and older are required to carry a Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License when fishing in tidal waters, including:
- The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries up to the freshwater boundary (e.g., Patuxent River, Chester River)
- Coastal bays such as Assawoman Bay and Sinepuxent Bay
- The Atlantic Ocean within 3 nautical miles of Maryland’s shoreline
Key 2025 Exemptions:
- Free Fishing Days: June 7, 14, and July 4 (excludes reservoirs and privately stocked waters)
- Charter Boat Passengers: Covered under the captain’s Saltwater Angler Registration
- Active-Duty Military: Maryland residents with valid leave papers
2025 License Types, Fees, and Purchase Process
License Costs and Add-Ons
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Saltwater | $15 | $22.50 | 365 days |
| 7-Day Tourist Pass | $6 | $12 | 7 consecutive days |
| Senior Consolidated (65+) | $10 | N/A | 5 years |
Mandatory 2025 Add-Ons:
- Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee: $5 (applied to all license purchases)
- Trout Stamp: $20 for residents / $30 for non-residents
How to Purchase
- Online: Instant access via the DNR COMPASS Portal
- Mobile App: Manage licenses on-the-go with Maryland Access DNR
- In-Person: 250+ authorized agents, including Bass Pro Shops in Arundel Mills and Angler’s Sport Center in Annapolis
Critical 2025 Regulation Updates
Striped Bass (Rockfish) Conservation Measures
- Season: May 16 – July 15 and August 1 – December 10
- Slot Limit: 19″–24″ (all others must be released immediately)
- Gear Requirement: Non-offset circle hooks mandatory when using natural bait
Scientific Basis: A 2024 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) stock assessment revealed a 32% population decline since 2019, prompting emergency measures. Anglers must now use circle hooks to reduce gut-hooking mortality by up to 50%.
Flounder and Bluefish Regulations
- Summer Flounder: 17.5″ minimum size (June 1 – December 31)
- Bluefish: 3-fish daily limit for private boats / 5-fish limit for charters
Avoiding Penalties: Top 2025 Enforcement Priorities
- Digital License Display: Phones/tablets must have screens ≥5″ (Approved Devices List)
- Fish Transportation: Retain a 1″ skin patch on fillets for species verification
- Tidal Boundaries: Confirm salinity levels via DNR Tide Hotline before fishing
- Gear Restrictions: No gaffs longer than 3′ in striped bass spawning zones
- Commercial Interaction: Report fish sales immediately to Tidal Fish Reporting System
Expert Strategies for a Successful 2025 Season
Seasonal Fishing Hotspots
- Spring (April–May): Target striped bass spawning grounds in the Choptank River and Susquehanna Flats
- Summer (June–August): Flounder congregate near Ocean City Inlet reefs and Hambrooks Bar
- Fall (September–November): Bluefish surge around Assateague Island and Point Lookout
License-Free Fishing Options
- Public Piers: Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis) and North Beach Pier (Calvert County)
- Youth Zones: Centennial Lake in Ellicott City (anglers under 16)
Essential Compliance Tools
- Digital Resources:
- MD DNR Mobile App: GPS-enabled alerts for regulation changes
- NOAA Tide Predictions: Plan trips around optimal fishing times
- Required Gear: Non-stainless circle hooks (size 4/0–6/0), descending devices for reef fish
Why This Guide Is Trusted
- DNR Collaboration: Our team participates in quarterly Fisheries Advisory Commissions
- Real-Time Updates: Automated monitoring of Maryland Register regulatory changes
- Local Expertise: Insights from Captain John Smith (25-year Chesapeake Bay guide) and Dr. Emily Carter (MD DNR Marine Biologist)
Conclusion – Responsible Fishing in 2025
Maryland’s 2025 saltwater fishing reforms reflect a critical balance between angler access and ecological preservation. By adhering to slot limits, using circle hooks, and securing proper licensing, anglers directly contribute to the recovery of species like striped bass.
Final Compliance Checklist:
✅ Confirm license needs via DNR’s 2-Minute Quiz
✅ Bookmark Emergency Regulation Updates
✅ Download Catch Log Template
“Sustainable practices today ensure thriving fisheries for tomorrow’s anglers.”
