Grab Your Fishing Rods: No License Needed to Fish on July 4

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to encourage new anglers to try out fishing the Chesapeake Bay and other area waterways by offering a "Maryland Free Fishing Day" on July 4 when anglers won't need a license to fish.

The typical price of a Maryland Saltwater fishing license is $15 for a year and $6 for a seven-day permit. Licenses can be obtained online or at two locations in Edgewater: and .

Non-residents pay a slightly higher fee. Children ages 16 and under don't need a license to fish in Maryland waters.

“This is an excellent opportunity to check out the exceptional fishing that Maryland offers,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley in a pressr release.

“I encourage everyone to take their families and friends to our abundant streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, and bays for some quality time. Consider spreading your passion for fishing by introducing a new angler to the sport.”

According to the DNR, free-fishing anglers must adhere to minimum size and creel limits for the 62 species that are managed by department.

The DNR has also recently introduced a Smartphone app with fishing reports, fish identification information and more. The app can be found here.

In addition, the Maryland Fishing Challenge is currently ongoing with hundreds of striped bass (rockfish) tagged and released into the Chesapeake Bay. One of the tagged fish is known as Diamond Jim. At any time between May 31 and Sept. 5 anglers who catch the real Diamond Jim could win up to $25,000. There are also prizes for the other tagged fish, up to $500 or more. The prize is only open to recreational fishermen.

Fishing regulations and a downloadable copy of the 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide are available online. Copies of the 2011 Fishing Guide are also available at most tackle shops and at the seven DNR Service Centers around the state.

DNR encourages anglers of all ages to share photos of and information about the fish they catch by reporting through the DNR Angler’s Log.