Let’s talk fishing license

I just got done buying all the necessary license for this years fishing adventures. I feel like im carrying a portfolio with me now. This area is a tricky one. You have MD Fresh, Salt, VA fresh, MD saltwater registration for the Potomac, DC fresh water…..

Am I missing one? Do we still need to register with the NOAA saltwater registry?

This years totals

MD Non-Resident Bay and Costal Sport = $22.50
MD Bay & Costal Sport Registration = $0.00
DC Non-Resident = $13.00
VA Resident Freshwater = $23.00
Total = $58.50

Does MD and VA have a reciprocal agreement covering the non tidal sections of the upper Potomac or will I need a MD non tidal license? If so there goes another $47

[Capt C-Hawk]

First, if you're a VA resident the VA saltwater is honored in the Potomac (PRFC) and MD up to the tide line as well as seaside.

If you're above DC, your VA or WVA resident license covers you while fishing from shore. If you wade or float you need a MD fresh, which is $32 or if VA charges more for a non resident, that's what MD charges.

[mmanolis2001]

Thats what i was worried about. So looks like i will need to spend another $47 (MD non-resident) to fish the upper potomac in my kayak. Add this to the rising gas prices i think this year i will be spending more time in local waters.

[moc]

I also bought the crabbing license so I can catch a bushel on my kayak.

[chex]

For my Oasis (tandem), I got the "Consolidated Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Boat License" sticker, which "allows everyone on board a vessel used for pleasure to fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the state waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic coastal bays and tributaries in lieu of individual licenses. "

That way my passengers can fish without getting a license (they just need to register for free). It also came with a "special complimentary Bay & Coastal sport fishing license, which includes recreational crabbing" for the boat owner purchasing this license, which I use when not using the Oasis. $50.

Not helpful in your case probably, but thought I'd mention it. I believe it's new this year.

[john from md]

When you purchase your license in MD, you are automatically registered with NOAA.

Regards,

John

[J.A. Veil]

For my Oasis (tandem), I got the "Consolidated Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Boat License" sticker, which "allows everyone on board a vessel used for pleasure to fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the state waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic coastal bays and tributaries in lieu of individual licenses. "

That way my passengers can fish without getting a license (they just need to register for free). It also came with a "special complimentary Bay & Coastal sport fishing license, which includes recreational crabbing" for the boat owner purchasing this license, which I use when not using the Oasis. $50.

I believe it's new this year.

The "Consolidated Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Boat License" has been available for more than a decade. I have bought this type of license for ages. I also buy a MD non-tidal license. The DNR types that info onto the same piece of paper that is the tidal license.

[Yak Fish]

trout stamp!

In my entire fishing career, no one has ever asked to see my license. Have you guys been checked before?

[chex]

trout stamp!

In my entire fishing career, no one has ever asked to see my license. Have you guys been checked before?

Not yet. On my way back to the SP boat ramps last night I was greeted by 2 DNR officials. They questioned me (very nicely), asked to look inside my cooler (tackle box), but didn't ask to see my license.

[Yak Fish]

Ah, making sure you're not sneaking any rock home.

I've had one watch me crab for a little while last summer in their boat, but they didn't question me. I think they were more curious than anything.

[DOGFISH]

When I used to fish from my center console boat, I would be checked all the time. I have not been checked while kayak fishing in the 5 or 6 years that I have been kayak fishing. Maybe they don't take kayaks seriously. All the better for me, not that I am breaking any rules, just no time to take away from fishing.

[john from md]

I have been fishing the bay for years and have never been asked for a license. I have had DNR police look at my catch, usually on opening day for rocks.

John

[chimo]

In my entire fishing career, no one has ever asked to see my license. Have you guys been checked before?

I got checked down off of Ft Washington a couple of weeks ago while fishing with Moc. I had to dig through my Vt hunting, Vt Fishing, Minnesota fishing, and every other scrap piece of paper I had to find my Md fishing. Of course it was the last thing I pulled out My Pa Fishing Liscence was in the car and it looks like I will be adding a few more states this year as well. All these liscences are starting to add up!

Chimo

[john from md]

Chimo,

With all the state and local governments looking for additional revenue, the license fees have really started to jump. My NH concealed carry license was $20 a couple of years ago and now it is $100.

I, like you, used to have a wallet full of licenses. Lately, I have been cutting back since the fees, plus car and boat gas are going through the roof.


John

[jffoley]

trout stamp!

In my entire fishing career, no one has ever asked to see my license. Have you guys been checked before?

Once. About 12 years ago on the VA side of the Potomac. DC jurisdiction. Don't mess with DC. If you're going to Fletcher's, Chain Bridge, etc this spring for shad get a DC permit. You can get them online:

https://enode.dc.gov/epermit/Page/Entry/Login.aspx