Maryland Opens Two Coastal Free Fishing Areas in Ocean City

Ocean City, Md. (September 6, 2012) ─  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has designated Northside Park and the Chicago Avenue Boardwalk in Ocean City license-free fishing areas. These additions bring the State’s free fishing spots up to 23.

“Free fishing areas are convenient places for anyone looking to experience Maryland’s excellent angling opportunities, and maybe even consider taking up the sport,” said DNR Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “These areas provide anglers with an affordable way to get outdoors and spend quality time with one another and their natural world.”

Northside Park is located where 125th Street meets Assawoman Bay, and features a fishing pier, concessions, playgrounds, a picnic area, walking paths, playing fields and a sports center.

The Chicago Avenue Boardwalk, between 2nd and 4th streets, has metered parking, wheelchair access, and a fish cleaning station.

Anglers ages16 and older, who would like to utilize free fishing areas without a license, must register with the State (at no cost) by calling 855-855-3906 or online at https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal. This registration enters anglers into a national database, which is used to help assess recreational fishing activity in tidal waters.

Anglers can keep up with DNR Fisheries news through Twitter (@MDDNRFISH) and on Facebook at facebook.com/MDDNRFisheriesService.

The latest fishing reports are available through the DNR Fisheries Angler’s Log, a family-friendly online meeting place where anglers report and show their catches at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/log.asp.

To stay up-to-date with regulatory proposals and other important DNR Fisheries topics, Marylanders are invited subscribe to the DNR Fisheries email list at dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/emailcontact.asp.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov