As an avid angler, you may be wondering if you need a saltwater fishing license to cast your line in the beautiful waters of Maine. The answer is yes, with a few exceptions. In 2024, Maine requires most saltwater anglers to register annually with the state in order to engage in recreational fishing.
Who Needs to Register?
According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, a person is required to register with the state annually to saltwater fish recreationally, unless they meet one of the following exemptions:
- You are under 16 years of age.
- You hold a valid Maine freshwater fishing license (not a Lifetime License) and indicated on your license whether you engaged in saltwater fishing the previous year.
- You hold a valid Maine commercial fishing license and indicated on that license whether you engaged in saltwater fishing the previous year.
- You are a Maine resident and are saltwater fishing only on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, or Labor Day weekend.
- You are a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs.
- You are fishing as a passenger on a for-hire vessel (charter or head/party boat) captained by an individual who possesses a valid recreational saltwater fishing Operator’s License.
- You are registered/licensed to engage in saltwater recreational fishing in another state or with the National Registry.
If your Maine freshwater fishing license is a Lifetime License, you are not covered for saltwater fishing. You will need to check if you qualify for any other exemptions, and if not, you are required to register annually for saltwater fishing.
How to Register
Registering for saltwater fishing in Maine can be done in one of four ways:
- Online for $1 through the Maine DMR LEEDS licensing system
- By mail: Download an application form, print it, fill it out, and mail it in with $1 payment
- In-person for $1 at the Maine Department of Marine Resources’ (DMR) Licensing office in Augusta
- In-person at any Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife appointed license agent for $2
It’s important to note that proof of registration or documentation of exemption must be carried at all times while saltwater fishing or transporting caught fish in Maine.
Fishing with a Charter
If you plan to go saltwater fishing with a charter operator in Maine, you don’t need to register or purchase a license. As long as you are fishing with a licensed captain, you are covered.
Maine Ocean Adventures, for example, has a Maine Saltwater Charter Boat Operator’s License, so anglers fishing with them are exempt from needing to register.
Reciprocity with Other States
Maine has reciprocity agreements with some neighboring states when it comes to saltwater fishing licenses. If you are registered/licensed to engage in saltwater recreational fishing in another state, you are exempt from needing to register in Maine.
However, it’s important to note that registering with Maine does not give you the right to fish in the waters of other states. You should always check the local fishing regulations in each state you plan to fish in.
Conclusion
In 2024, most anglers who want to enjoy the thrill of saltwater fishing in Maine will need to register with the state annually. However, there are several exemptions, such as being under 16, holding a valid Maine freshwater fishing license, or fishing with a licensed charter operator.
By understanding the saltwater fishing registration requirements and following the regulations, you can help conserve Maine’s fish populations for generations to come while enjoying the state’s incredible fishing opportunities.