Rules & Regulations
Cast net laws in Maryland
Legal with restrictionsInformational only — this is not legal advice
Fishing regulations change, sometimes with little notice, and can vary further by county, water body, or season within a state. This page is a starting point for research, not a substitute for the law. Always verify current rules directly with your state's fish & wildlife agency or TakeMeFishing.org before you fish. BasicGear is not responsible for citations, fines, or gear seizures resulting from reliance on this page.
Last verified: 2026-07-08 — regulations are re-checked periodically; see the date above before assuming this is current.
Summary
Baitfish-only cast-netting is legal in tidal Chesapeake Bay waters and tributaries — it does not apply to non-tidal freshwater.
Size, mesh & licensing
- Max size
- 10 ft radius
- Mesh
- Not specified for cast nets
- Water type
- Saltwater / tidal only
- License
- Yes — Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License, with standard exemptions
Recommended BasicGear net
Cast Net — Basic Series — Choose a 10 ft radius or smaller size — right at Maryland's cap.
Official source
Last verified: 2026-07-08
See all 50 states, or shop the cast net lineup for Maryland.