Maryland's First Fishing License

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While visiting Fishing Challenge Award Centers in Anne Arundel County, I made a stop at Marty�s Sporting Goods in Mayo. After going over with the details of the new entry system with owner Jim Bieler I couldn�t help but notice some old badges in a glass case. It turns out that Jim is a collector of old fishing memorabilia and there in front of me was Maryland�s first issued fishing license from 1927. As you can see from the picture I took; it was a button that the angler wore on his hat or shirt. Jim was able to reference for me that in 1927 the state sold 9,581 of these freshwater licenses at $1.25 each; by 1939 the number of freshwater licenses sold had risen to 23,121. Current statistics show that Maryland sold 111,241 resident freshwater fishing licenses last year.

Jim also proudly showed me a picture of customer Fred Menage in front of the store, with his 42.5� striped bass that he caught in 2008 near Thomas Point Light. Then he showed me a picture of Fred again in front of the store but this time with his brand new Toyota Tundra pickup truck that he won by entering his striped bass in the 2008 Fishing Challenge and being a lucky winner at the sandy Point State Park Event. This year�s Fishing Challenge promises to be just as exciting with over $10,000 in prizes plus a boat, motor and trailer donated by Bass Pro Shops. Fishermen can find out information about how to enter this year�s Fishing Challenge at the following link. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/challenge/index.asp