Maryland Boat License: Valid In Virginia's Chesapeake Bay?

Boaters and fishers in the Chesapeake Bay area must be aware of the licensing requirements of the state they are in. In Maryland, a Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing license is required to fish in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac River unless you obtain a free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration. In Virginia, a saltwater recreational fishing license is required for fishing in tidal saltwater areas, including the Chesapeake Bay. However, there are exemptions to this requirement, such as fishing from a licensed charter boat or being a resident aged 65 or older. Importantly, there is a reciprocity agreement between Maryland and Virginia, where anglers with a license from either state may fish in any portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its saltwater reaches. This means that a Maryland boat license is good in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay waters and vice versa.

Maryland and Virginia fishing license reciprocity

If you have a Maryland fishing license, you may not need to purchase a Virginia fishing license to fish in Virginia. This is due to reciprocity agreements between the two states.

Anglers with a Maryland saltwater license can fish in any portion of the Chesapeake Bay, or any of the saltwater reaches of its tributary rivers, as well as seaside bays and creeks and the Atlantic Ocean where a Virginia saltwater license is required. However, they must register with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP).

If you have a Maryland freshwater fishing license, you can fish in the Potomac River and from both banks in the Upper Potomac River (above Little Falls to the West Virginia border).

Additionally, there are reciprocal license agreements for three sections of the Potomac River, one above and two below the District of Columbia.

For those fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and wanting to cross state lines, a Virginia Charter/Head Boat License and either a Class A or Class B Virginia Fishing Guide License are required to operate charters in the bay and Virginia coastal waters. A US Coast Guard Captain's license is also necessary. If a captain holds a Maryland guide license, they can obtain a no-cost Fishing Guide Reciprocity Permit through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).

Fishing license exemptions

Both Maryland and Virginia require fishing licenses to fish in the Chesapeake Bay. However, there are some exemptions to this requirement. Here are the fishing license exemptions for both states:

Maryland Fishing License Exemptions:

• Anglers under the age of 16.
• Fishing on days designated as free fishing days.
• Specific license-free fishing areas.
• Crabbing from a privately owned shoreline, or using dip nets, hand lines, or assisting someone who has a crabbing license.
• Crabbing on a boat with a recreational crab boat decal.

Virginia Fishing License Exemptions:

• Anglers under the age of 16.
• Anglers aged 65 or older.
• Fishing from a public fishing pier with a VMRC-issued license.
• Fishing from a private boat with a Virginia or PRFC saltwater boat license.
• Fishing from your own private property or pier.
• Fishing in Virginia with a reciprocal Maryland saltwater license.
• Fishing with gear licensed by the Commission.
• Members of certain groups, such as those with physical or mental limitations, military veterans, and school groups.
• Permanently and totally disabled persons holding a special lifetime saltwater recreational fishing license.
• Fishing from a federally owned park or reserve with boundaries extending into an adjoining state that does not require a saltwater fishing license.
• Virginia residents who are members of a recognized American Indian tribe.

It is important to note that even if you are exempt from purchasing a fishing license, you may still need to register with the state and obtain a no-cost FIP (Fisherman Identification Program) registration in Virginia or register with the Saltwater Angler Registry in Maryland. This is required for anglers who plan to fish in tidal waters or saltwater areas. Additionally, both states have established limits on the size and number of fish that may be kept, and these regulations vary depending on the species of fish.

Charter boat licensing requirements

To operate a charter boat in Virginia, a captain must obtain the following:

• A US Coast Guard Captain's license
• A Virginia Charter/Head Boat License
• A Class A or Class B Virginia Fishing Guide License

A Class A Virginia Guide License is a limited-entry permit, allowing charters to operate in both Virginia and Maryland state waters. There are only 240 resident and 38 non-resident licenses available each year. A Class B Virginia Guide License has no limit on the number of permits available but only covers charter operations in Virginia state waters. All permits and licenses expire on December 31 of the year listed on the permit or license.

If a captain holds a Maryland guide license, they can obtain a no-cost Fishing Guide Reciprocity Permit through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).

In Michigan, charter boats are required by federal law to have a United States Coast Guard (USCG) license. The USCG requires all licensed operators to be enrolled in a random drug testing program and all vessels for hire to be documented and routinely inspected. The state of Michigan also requires charter vessels to pass a state inspection.

Fishing during COVID-19

Fishing is a low-risk activity during the COVID-19 pandemic if you maintain social distancing and follow CDC guidelines. Here are some tips to stay safe and adapt your fishing habits during this time:

• Fish close to home and avoid travelling long distances. Most people have lots of places to choose from nearby.
• Find bait without going to a store. You can use worms from your yard or food from your pantry like canned corn, marshmallows, canned tuna, or cheese.
• Try new types of fishing. If you're a spin angler, try a fly rod, or vice versa. Dig out some under-used tackle from your tackle box and try to master new techniques.
• Fish for different species. If you usually fish for trout, try fishing for warm-water fish or panfish.
• Go with light tackle. Using an ultralight fishing rod can make smaller fish feel like a bigger catch.
• Use personal fishing craft to access areas that are less accessible from shore or with a larger boat.
• Follow CDC guidelines and local regulations. Fish only with members of your household, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others, and avoid crowded access points.
• Purchase your fishing license online instead of in-person.
• Stay home if you feel sick, and avoid fishing if you think you might be unwell.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Do not share equipment with anyone, and wash your equipment when you're done.

Remember, the point of COVID-19 restrictions is to prevent the spread of the virus, so it's important to follow guidelines and be patient.

Crabbing rules

Crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay is a popular pastime for many, and it is important to follow the rules and regulations to ensure the safety and sustainability of this practice. Here are the crabbing rules for Maryland and Virginia, with a focus on the Chesapeake Bay area:

Maryland Crabbing Rules:

Seasons and Time of Day Restrictions:

• Rivers, creeks, and tributaries: From April to September, crabbing is permitted from half an hour before sunrise to sunset. From October through December 15, crabbing is allowed from half an hour after sunrise to sunset.
• Chesapeake Bay Mainstem: Similar to the above, with the hours extending to 5 pm during the permitted months.
• 24-hour crabbing is permitted with properly registered crab pots on private property, dip nets, or handlines.

Minimum Size Limits (measured from tip to tip of spikes):

• April 1–July 14: 5 inches.
• July 15–Dec. 15: 5¼ inches.
• April 1–July 14: 3¼ inches.
• July 15–Dec. 15: 3½ inches.
• April 1–Dec. 15: 3½ inches.

Prohibited Activities:

• It is illegal to possess an egg-bearing (sponge) crab or any female hard or peeler crab.
• Crabbing within 100 feet of another individual's set gear, such as a trotline, collapsible trap, or crab net ring, is not allowed.
• Crab gear belonging to another person cannot be used.
• Harvesting crabs while SCUBA diving is prohibited.
• Only specific types of gear are permitted, as outlined by the regulations.

Additional Crab Pot Rules:

• Crab pots must have two cull rings of specific measurements and locations to facilitate crab entry and trap terrapins.
• Annual registration of crab pots is required.

Daily Creel/Possession Limits:

These limits vary depending on the month and the number of licensed or unlicensed individuals. For example, from April 1 to June 30, the limit is 1 bushel per person, and from July 1 to December 15, it is 1 bushel or 6 dozen if using a container other than a bushel basket.

Gear Restrictions:

The amount and type of gear permitted depend on whether crabbing is done from a boat or private property. For instance, a maximum of 2 registered crab pots are allowed per property, while up to 30 collapsible traps or net rings are permitted per boat.

Virginia Crabbing Rules:

Licensing Information:

• No license is required for taking crabs by dip net, hand line ("chicken necking"), or using up to two commercial-style crab pots for personal use.
• A license is needed for the recreational use of specific commercial gear, such as crab traps, crab trotlines, and recreational crab pots. These licenses can be purchased from authorized agents or by mail.

Seasons and Time Restrictions:

• Licensed 3-5 crab pots: March 17 - November 30
• Crab trotline or pound/trap: June 1 - September 15
• Hand line, collapsible recreational traps, cast net: April 15 - October 15
• No crabbing is permitted in Virginia tidal waters from December 1 through March 16.

Daily Limits:

All recreational crabbing is limited to 1 bushel of hard crabs and 2 dozen peeler crabs per person per day.

Crab and Crab Gear Regulations:

• Buoys of crab pots or trotlines must be marked with the last 4 digits of the licensee's social security or driver's license number, preceded by the letter "R".
• Other regulations specify the permitted number of crab pots per licensee, the use of crab pots with the 5-pot license on Sundays, and designated crab sanctuary areas.

Recreational Reporting:

Anyone using licensed recreational gear, such as crab pots, crab trotlines, or eel pots, must report their harvest annually to the Commission. This can be done online or by mailing paper forms.

Frequently asked questions