In California, a sport fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older who attempts to catch fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians, or reptiles in inland or ocean waters (unless fishing at a public dock). Additional validations and report cards are required for certain species and areas. If you are new to the sport of fishing and are not sure if you will enjoy it, a great opportunity awaits you. CDFW offers two days of free fishing each year.
These days, you can fish without a sport fishing license. Free fishing days offer a great and affordable way to try your hand at fishing. Some CDFW regions offer a city fishing program, where you can fish in the center of major metropolitan areas, perhaps just a few blocks from your home. Fishing in the City and free day fishing clinics are designed to educate novice anglers about fishing ethics, fishing habits, effective methods for fishing and fishing tackle.
You can even learn how to clean and prepare your fish so you can enjoy it at dinner that night. In California, anyone 16 years of age or older must obtain a sport fishing license to catch any type of fish: shellfish, reptiles, or amphibians from the state. Like other fishing regulations, the license requirement is intended to protect fish stocks so that generations of anglers have good fishing opportunities. Public piers have a specific definition in section 1.88 of title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (opens in a new tab)).
In California, any person who has continuously resided in the state for six months or more immediately before the date of their request for a license or permit, anyone who is in active military service, or anyone enrolled in the Job Corps is considered a resident. While you don't need to wear a fishing license, it should be in your immediate possession while fishing. California has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that must be followed to protect its fish stocks. Learn more about the different types of licenses available, and then buy a California fishing license online or from a licensing agent, such as a sporting goods store. In addition, the state offers two free fishing days each year that allow anglers to try sport fishing without obtaining a license.
It's important to note that you don't need a license if you're going to fish from a public pier in ocean waters. You can find additional resources and information directly on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. In the event that your license is lost or destroyed, a CDFW licensing agent or license sales office can also help you obtain a duplicate sport fishing license. Species-specific gear restrictions apply (such as rockfish, red cod and salmon) when fishing from shore.
When fishing off the coast of San Francisco and São Paulo bays, between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Carquinez Bridge, to the west, you can only use a fishing line with no more than three hooks; you can also use up to 10 crab traps. Any type of fishing license for residents or non-residents can be purchased online through the CDFW website, at a licensing agent located throughout the state, or at one of the 10 CDFW license sales offices. California offers different fishing license options, including annual licenses and for the short term.
