The 2016 Maryland DNR Fishing Guide is now online. Click to here for pertinent information on fishing and recreational crabbing licenses, as well as general regulations, and information on tidal and nontidal fishing restrictions. If you click to Striped Bass regulations for example, you will find info on seasons, restrictions, creel and size limits, as well as rules/procedures for submitting a state record fish. 
New For 2016
- 365 Day Licenses—Recreational fishing and crabbing licenses, including the fishing and crabbing boat decals, are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase (excludes 3-day and 7-day licenses).
- Trout Closure Periods—The closure periods have been removed from New Germany Lake and Herrington Creek.
New State Records:
- Tautog—Atlantic Division, 28.8 pounds by Kenneth Westerfeld
- Winter Flounder—Atlantic Division, 5 pounds, 2 ounces by Kevin Twilley
- Gray Triggerfish—Atlantic Division, 5 pounds, 2 ounces by Wayne Gower
- Chain Pickerel—Nontidal Division, 8 pounds by Lee Haile III
- Northern snakehead—Invasive Division, 17.47 pounds by Todd Murphy, subsequently surpassed by Michael Mead with 17.49-pound fish, both taken by bow and arrow.
For information on current fish consumption guidelines, click here. Most fish are safe to eat, but some have levels of contaminants which may be harmful. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) analyzes fish for two contaminants which can pose health risks and are known to accumulate in fish: PCBs and methylmercury. The information included in MDE consumption advisories is of particular importance for women and children because of the potential harmful effect of these contaminants on developing brains. To read through the rest of the 2016 Maryland Fishing Guide, click to eregulations.com/maryland/fishing