# Natural Resources (GNR)

## Title 4. Fish and Fisheries

### Subtitle 2. Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Fish and Fisheries -- in General

#### Section 4-214

(a) By regulation, the Secretary may establish up to 3 free fishing days each calendar year when a person may catch finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of the State for recreational purposes without an angler's license or Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license.

(b) By regulation, the Secretary may establish free fishing areas where a person may catch finfish for recreational purposes in:

  (1) Tidal waters of the State without a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license, provided the person is registered with the Department under Sec. 4-745 of this title; and

  (2) Nontidal waters of the State without an angler's license or a trout stamp.

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Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)