Maryland Offers Fishing License Discount for 16-Year-Olds

New 16 in 16 Program in Effect through 2016

Now through the end of 2016, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a half-price incentive to 16-year-old anglers purchasing a fishing license for the first time. In Maryland, anglers under the age of 16 are not required to possess licenses. 

“Young anglers are the environmental stewards of tomorrow,” Fisheries Service Director Dave Blazer said. “We are launching the 16 in 16 discount program to encourage them to engage and become committed to the future of fishing in Maryland.”

If you are 16 years old at the time of purchase in 2016, you will automatically receive a 50 percent discount on your 365-day resident, non-resident, non-tidal or Chesapeake Bay and Coastal fishing license. Not included in this discount program: recreational crabbing licenses, trout stamps, short-term licenses and sport boat licenses.

Licenses may be purchased online, through department service centers or at most bait and tackle shops and outdoor outfitters.

While spring has not yet arrived, fishing activities are already underway with biologists stocking trout across the state, yellow perch biting in rivers and lakes, and anglers catching and releasing striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay.

For information on sport fishing and crabbing in Maryland, please consult the Maryland Fishing Guide.