Fishing is a popular pastime in Maine, offering a variety of freshwater and saltwater opportunities. However, before you can cast your line, you need to understand the licensing requirements. This guide will provide comprehensive information on obtaining a fishing license in Maine, including costs, how to purchase it, and specific rules for saltwater fishing.
Maine Fishing License Cost
The cost of a Maine fishing license varies depending on whether you’re a resident or non-resident and the duration of the license. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| License Type | Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (ages 16+) | $25 | $64 |
| 15 Day | N/A | $47 |
| 7 Day | N/A | $43 |
| 3 Day | N/A | $23 |
| 1 Day | $11 | $11 |
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Maine, exchange students living with a Maine family, or out-of-state college students attending a Maine college or university full-time are eligible to purchase Maine fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Maine also offers free fishing licenses for disabled veterans with at least 50% service-related disability and Native American citizens identifying with one of the Maine tribes (Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, or Penobscot).
Lifetime Maine fishing licenses are available for both residents and non-residents in certain age brackets:
| Age | Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 6 | $150 | $450 |
| 6-15 | $300 | $900 |
| 65 | $50 | N/A |
| 66 | $40 | N/A |
| 67 | $30 | N/A |
| 68 | $20 | N/A |
| 69 | $10 | N/A |
| 70+ | $8 | N/A |
Combination fishing and hunting licenses are available for purchase as annual or lifetime licenses for both residents and non-residents of the state.
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Purchasing a Maine Fishing License Online
A fishing license can be purchased through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s online MOSES system. Once an account is created, the license itself can be printed from your home or displayed electronically on a smartphone as proof of licensure.
For those obtaining a lifetime, military, or free license (Native Americans and disabled veterans), you cannot purchase these online due to documentation that needs to be presented to a representative in person.
Saltwater Fishing License in Maine
To fish in Maine marine waters, you must register with the Maine Department of Marine Resources and pay a fee of $1–2. This can be accomplished online, by mail, or in person at the Maine Department of Marine Resources office or the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife office.
There are a number of exemptions from registering, including those who are younger than 16 years old, possess a valid freshwater or commercial fishing license, are registered to saltwater fish in another state, or are fishing from a smelt fishing camp, pier, wharf, or dock whose operator holds a valid license.
Maine residents who are fishing during July 4th, Memorial Day, or Labor Day weekends do not have to register. Additionally, those identifying with a Maine Native American tribe are exempt from registering.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a legal and enjoyable fishing experience in the beautiful waters of Maine.