Maine Fishing Licenses

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Fishing Related Topics
Maine fishing licenses are required for residents and non residents to legally fish in state waters. To get a license in Maine, you must be at least 16 years of age or older and complete the fishing license application process through the state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW). Failure to have a recreational fishing license on your person may result in hefty fines, as well as the revocation of your fishing license privileges. Learn the details about the Maine fishing license application process to ensure you apply for the proper credential. Before applying for fishing licenses in Maine, your first step consists of gathering the required materials. The IFW differentiates between residential and nonresidential licenses, with a significant difference in pricing. Residents receive a reduced rate on fishing permits, so ensure that you have proof of your residency status when applying. Several choices for Maine fishing licenses and combination licenses are available, depending on whether you would like to fish only or conduct other wildlife sports as well. For example, the Maine IFW offers combination fishing and hunting licenses. Buying fishing licenses in Maine can be completed online or in person. To buy a fishing license, visit a local IFW office or apply online through the Maine Online Sportsman Electronic System (MOSES). Online applications are processed immediately, and thereafter applicants may print their license using a home computer. The Maine IFW separates licensing requirements based upon the following types:
- Freshwater fishing licenses
- Saltwater fishing licenses
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Maine Freshwater Fishing Licenses
Maine freshwater fishing licenses are required for inland fishing in the state. Before getting a freshwater fishing license in Maine, decide which type of freshwater fishing permit you would like to get. Maine’s IFW has the standard annual resident and nonresident fishing licenses, with the resident fishing license available for purchase at a reduced rate, compared to the nonresident document. Options for 15-day, seven-day, three-day and one-day fishing licenses are also available.
For the avid sportsman, Maine’s IFW also offers combination packages. The combination hunting and fishing license is available to residents and nonresidents who are 16 years of age or older, along with the combination fishing and archery license. Interested state residents have the option to purchade the superpack license, which gives the license holder permission to engage in any of the following activities:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Archery
- Muzzleloading
- Crossbow
Standard recreational fishing licenses are good for a year and expire on December 31 of each year. Explore availability of lifetime freshwater licenses in ME as well. Anglers who have lost their fishing credentials can purchase a duplicate license from the IFW for a small fee. Active-duty military members can also buy a fishing license at a significantly reduced rate.
To get a fishing license in Maine, visit a local IFW office or the MOSES website portal to submit your fishing license application digitally. Be sure to have a valid, approved credit card on hand for payment of the applicable license fee.
Maine Saltwater Fishing Licenses
Maine freshwater fishing licenses are the default license issued by the state’s IFW. However, to fish off the coast, you must get a saltwater fishing permit. Saltwater fishing regulations are handled by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR). As a result, applicants must register with the DMR’s saltwater registry in order to fish off the coast of Maine.
Prior to getting a license to saltwater fish, first purchase a freshwater permit. After obtaining your permit, contact the DMR and inquire about signing up for the Saltwater Registry. Though there is no fee to register for saltwater fishing licenses in Maine, small agent fee may apply. To sign up for the Saltwater Registry, visit the MOSES website and submit your application as you would for an ME freshwater fishing license.
Once you have submitted your name to the DMR Saltwater Registry, you have the right to fish recreationally for all legal marine species off the coast. However, saltwater fishing licenses are only valid for one year, even if you have a lifetime freshwater fishing license. To renew your Saltwater Registration, visit the MOSES website and complete the renewal application each year.