Freshwater fishing generally requires a license for anyone 16 or older. The rates and rules vary by residency and age. Licenses are available at town offices. Please go to this link for details:
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/fishing.htm
It used to be that if you wanted to fish in salt water all you had to do was throw a line in and wait for a bite. That has changed. Saltwater fishing now requires "registration". This can be done on-line for $1.00 or at town offices for $2.00. Here's the scoop:
Who needs to register for Maine’s new saltwater registry?
Maine residents, do you have a valid Maine freshwater fishing license? There is a check box on the freshwater application form for you to indicate you saltwater fish, check that box and you are good to go. There is an exception, if you hold a lifetime or over 70 license you will have to register annually. If you do not have a valid Maine freshwater license then you must register. This can be done by going to www.maine.gov/saltwater ($1.00), going to the DMR office, 2 Beech St., Hallowell, ME 04347 or by any appointed Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife agent ($2.00).Non-Maine residents, do you have a valid Maine freshwater fishing license? There is a check box on the freshwater application form for you to indicate you saltwater fish, check that box and you are good to go. If you are registered to engage in saltwater recreational fishing in another state, or with the National Registry, you are also good to go. If none of this applies, you may register by going to www.maine.gov/saltwater ($1.00), going to the DMR office, 2 Beech St., Hallowell, ME 04347 or by any appointed Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife agent ($2.00).
There are some exceptions for both residents and non-residents. You do not need to register if:
- You are under 16 years of age
- You are a passenger on board a for-hire (headboat/charterboat) vessel that holds a recreational operators license
- You are renting a smelt fishing camp from someone that holds a recreational operators license
- You are fishing from a dock, pier or wharf that is owned by someone holding a recreational operators license
- You are a Maine resident fishing on July 4th, Labor Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend
- You hold a valid saltwater license or registration from another state
- You are registered on the National Saltwater Angler registry through NOAA
- You are a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs
- You have a valid commercial license and you have checked that you recreationally saltwater fish
