Marylanders can fish without a license for three days in June and July.

If you’re looking for an activity where you can enjoy the weather and social distance, try fishing. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the dates for its annual free fishing days for 2020. Beginners can take advantage of the free days to fish without having to buy licenses, stamps, or registrations. The free days are Saturday, June 6, Saturday, June 13, and Independence Day, July 4.

In addition to being one of the first activities opened up to residents by Governor Hogan in the reopening plan, fishing is a great way to get outdoors and experience nature. Normally people 16 and over must have a license and the corresponding stamps for certain types of fish to legally fish in Maryland waters. But during free days, you can fish and crab as much as you want, within size and catch limits, of course.

Photo by John Lambeth from Pexels

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also has an extensive list of maps and instructional guides to help fishermen and anglers of all skill levels navigate fishing around the state. The Public Angler Maps show you all the places to fish, how to get there, and the fish found in the area, along with parking information. "Click Before You Cast" is a page filled with suggestions on how to organize your trip based on weather and the water conditions. Finally, the fishing and crabbing page will help you identify the fish that are legal to catch along with size and number regulations.

If you can’t make it out to the water during free fishing days, there are a few places around the state where free fishing is allowed year-round. A list of these license-free fishing areas is online at dnr.maryland.gov. Even though it’s free, you will still need to register for a free MD/PRFC angler registration online or in the app.

Are you planning to take advantage of the free fishing days? Where's your favorite place to fish in Maryland? Tell us in the comments!