You can fish at the outermost piers and on the short pier without a license. All other areas of the port require a license and permission from the owner. A fishing license is required for anyone over 16 who wants to fish in California waters. This includes both residents and non-residents.
Licensing rights go to conservation efforts and the maintenance of the state's fish stocks. While a fishing license is not required at a public pier, all other regulations (including minimum size, baggage limits, report cards, and seasons) apply while fishing on a public pier. In addition, only two rods and fishing lines, hand lines or nets, traps, or other devices used to catch crabs per person may be used at a public pier (title 14, section 28.65 (b) of the CCR). The law requires everyone over 16 to have a fishing license (unless they are not going fishing during the trip).).
If you don't have one yet, you can purchase a license one day before departure. Fishing licenses can also be purchased online at this link. The type of equipment you need to fish in California will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do. The cost of a California fishing license varies depending on several factors, such as your age, state of residence, and the type of license you need. Even if you hooked the fish on the pier and only went down to the beach to disembark it, you'll need a valid license to avoid a possible citation.
It is essential to check the current regulations before each fishing trip, as they may change from year to year. If you are found violating this law, you (along with Dana Wharf Sportfishing) will be ordered to appear in court, fined and items may be confiscated. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is dedicated to helping locals and visitors enjoy the unique wonders of Dana Point Harbor and the Orange County shoreline. Public piers must be connected to the coast, allow free and unrestricted public access and be currently built or operated for the primary purpose of fishing.
When fishing from the coast in the bays of San Francisco and São Paulo, 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. When fishing from a pier, species-specific tackle restrictions apply (for example, for rockfish, cod, and salmon). Although the monkey finch is considered a population of nearshore fish under section 1.90 of the regulations, it is not a nearshore rockfish or any other type of rockfish. A few simple practices and equipment options can greatly improve your enjoyment of year-round surf fishing in Central California.
Fishing in California is a popular and fun activity, but it's essential to have a valid fishing license before going out on the water. Buying an annual fishing license will make it no problem; or maybe you want to buy a dock net to help you catch larger fish from the dock. Before embarking on your fishing trip, it's essential that you familiarize yourself with California fishing regulations. When fishing recreationally from a public pier in ocean or bay waters, a fishing license is not required.
