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Welcome to 2025 Maryland Fishing

Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing 2025
Get ready for a great season on the water! The 2025 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is your go-to resource for fishing licenses, regulations, species identification, and top fishing spots across the state. Plan your next adventure in Maryland’s Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, Coastal Bays, and Inland Waters!


License Free Fishing Days!

In Maryland, anyone may fish without a recreational fishing license on June 7, June 14 and July 4, 2025.

All other fishing regulations apply.

What's New for 2025

Statewide:

  • Northern snakehead was renamed Chesapeake Channa in Maryland (see Invasive Species)
  • There is now a recreational oyster license required for residents to harvest oysters (see Oysters and Clams)

In Tidal Waters:

  • There is a 12" minimum size for sheepshead
  • The aggregate catch limit for snapper remains 20 fish per day, but there is a limit of 10 of any one species of snapper per day

In Nontidal Waters:

In the Chesapeake Bay and Its Tidal Tributaries:

  • There is no targeting of striped bass allowed from April 1–May 15
  • Targeting of striped bass is additionally prohibited in the Susquehanna River, Susquehanna Flats, and Northeast River from May 16–May 31

2024 State Records

Nontidal

Fallfish

3.2 lbs.

Blake Cronk

4/1/2024

North Branch of Potomac, Westernport

Rainbow Trout

17.4 lbs.

Jean-Philippe Lartigue

2/10/2024

Antietam Creek

Atlantic Coast

Blueline Tilefish

20.6 lbs.

London J. Anthony

8/24/2024

Poor Man's Canyon

Yellowedge Grouper

38.0 lbs.

Jian Feng Li

8/27/2024

Poor Man's Canyon

Chesapeake

Rock Bass

1.0 lbs.

Thomas Over, Jr.

1/6/2024

Lower Susquehanna River

Photos of 2024 Maryland State Record Fish
Maryland Anglers Show Off Their Impressive Catches! From record-breaking fish to once-in-a-lifetime catches, these anglers have reeled in some serious trophies across Maryland’s waters. Whether fishing in rivers, bays, or offshore, these photos capture the excitement of the sport. Ready to make your own big catch? Check out the latest Maryland fishing regulations and get out on the water!