With the extreme heat of summer finally disappearing, September is the perfect time to grab your rod and tackle box and head to your favorite fishing hole! In Maryland, individuals over the age of 16 are required to obtain a fishing license. If you have a fishing license, there are a ton of fantastic fishing spots in Anne Arundel County, Queen Anne’s County, Talbot County, Kent County, and Caroline County.
If you don’t have a fishing license, you’re still in luck! There are several free fishing areas throughout Maryland where you can cast your rod year-round without a fishing license (registration is required), including a few in Anne Arundel County and on the Eastern Shore:
Anne Arundel County:
- Annapolis: Maryland Route 450 at the Old Severn River
Caroline County:
- Denton: The pier associated with G. Daniel Crouse Memorial Park. On the east side of the Choptank River, north of Maryland Route 404
- Federalsburg: Municipal Park
- Greensboro: Waterfront Park on the Choptank River. Upstream of the Sunset Avenue bridge within park boundaries
Dorchester County:
- Cambridge: Long Wharf. From the south end of the city-owned bulkhead associated with the Municipal Yacht Basin within Cambridge Creek to the end of the east breakwater at mouth of Municipal Yacht Basin
Kent County:
- Chestertown: Maryland Route 213 bridge over the Chester River
If fishing from the shore isn’t your style, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a map of charters and fishing guides throughout the state. Or, you can rent a canoe or kayak at several county and state parks, including Sandy Point, Martinak, and Tuckahoe.
Beginners can check out Sandy Point’s Take Me Fishing! event this Saturday, September 14th, 8 a.m. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Space is limited and registration is required. For young anglers, the Maryland DNR offers a free Youth Fishing Club for ages 5–15. The club offers special events and resources. Each new member receives two Maryland Youth Fishing Club stickers.
