Charter Boat Requirements

[Rhino6]

Does anyone know the requirements for starting a charter service in MD? I have the USCG 6-pack but am have trouble finding all of the DNR requirements.

Sam

[capt. ed]

The six pack is the easy part. Getting a Resident Guide License or TFL is the really hard part. The charter/guide/commercial fishing field has been a "limited entry" for a long time. The only way to get in now is to purchase someone elses who is getting out. They still demand LOTS of money. You're also supposed to be buying their business, but you can get away with buying the license and "associated gear". This sometimes means their boat, but could be as little as some rods/reels, depending on the seller.
Best place to start is the Maryland Watermens Association website classifieds. There is usually a couple for sale at any given time. http://marylandwatermen.com/

For Sale: Maryland Guide License. $7000. Call Steve at 443-463-0256. (Posted 9/15/08)
That's the cheapest one I know of currently available.

TFL's are much more expensive, but allow all types of commercial fishing as well as chartering. There are different levels of allocations concerning striped bass, hook and line, number of crab pots, etc.

Good luck.

[Rhino6]

Thanks Capt. I noticed the limited entry and the various licenses but couldn't put it all together. Looks like we will stick to friends splitting expenses for now.