Hi guys, my name is Mark and today we’ll go over what you need to know before you purchase
a California fishing license.
Fishing in California is awesome because it’s a big state, it’s diverse, and depending
on where you are, you can target a wide range of both freshwater and saltwater species.
That’s why it’s very important though to familiarize yourself with the main rules
and regulations before you get out there and hit the water.
So we’ll go over the different types of licenses, requirements, exceptions, and where
to purchase a license, and everything else you need to know.
Believe me, the last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine because you caught
something that you weren’t licensed to catch or because you were fishing in the wrong place
at the wrong time.
The first question and probably the most important one is, “who needs a California fishing license?”
To put it simply, anyone over the age of 16 will have to buy a fishing license in the
state of California.
So this applies to both state residents and non-residents.
A resident is defined as anyone who’s been living in California consistently for six
months or more and a non-resident is obviously anyone who is coming from out of state.
Licenses for residents and non-residents are sold separately and their costs vary as well.
Also, every angler in your group will have to purchase a fishing license, so if you bring
one of your friends along and even if they’re just helping you with netting or dehooking,
they will also have to purchase a fishing license as well.
So there are some exceptions that exempt people from having to buy a fishing license and this
includes if you’re casting from a public pier as well as if you’re fishing on what’s
referred to as a Free Fishing Day.
Just keep in mind that these Free Fishing Days vary year-to-year and you can actually
find the dates on California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
And last but not least, anglers under the age of 16 also do not need a California fishing
license, but they will be required to carry a permit or a report card if they’re fishing
for a specific type of species and we’ll get into that later as well.
So there are several different types of fishing licenses in California.
You have what’s referred to as Standard Licenses, you also have Lifetime Licenses,
which are only available to California residents, and you have what’s called a Reduced Fee as well.
For Standard Licenses, you have a 1-day, 2-day, 10-day, and you have an annual license as well.
The 10-day license is only available to non-residents.
Now, for the hardcore anglers out there, if you really want to experience a little bit
of everything, you can purchase what’s called a Fishing Privilege Package, that’s typically
around $380 but just keep in mind that the price is subject to change.
This license includes an Ocean Enhancement Stamp, a Lifetime Second-Rod Stamp, and a
North Coast Salmon Report Card, as well as a Steelhead Report Card.
There are also some types of licenses that are available at reduced rates in a variety
of situations.
This includes anglers who are blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired, as well as
disabled or recovering veterans, as well as low-income seniors.
You can fill out an application for a reduced fee license online at wildlife.ca.gov and
submit it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by mail.
Just keep in mind, you may also need to bring extra paperwork as proof.
For example, disabled veterans will have to have a letter with them from the VA stating
that they were honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability rating of over
50 percent.
So, just some additional requirements to keep in mind.
Report cards are also important if you plan on targeting a certain type of species.
These include Steelhead, Spiny Lobster, and Sturgeon.
You’ll also need a North Coast Salmon report card if you’re fishing for Salmon in the
Klamath, Trinity, and Smith Rivers.
You still need to buy a report card even if you’re someone who isn’t required to buy
a sport fishing license, this is very important to keep in mind.
So this applies to anglers fishing from public piers or anglers under the age of 16 as well.
It’s important to remember that you’ll have to return your report card to the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife by January 31st of the following year.
Spiny Lobster Report Cards however are due at the end of Lobster season which is usually
April 30th.
You can report your card online or mail it to the address specified on the card.
For more information on pricing, you can always check out our full blog article or you can
also just head to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the most
up to date information.
Just remember that prices may change on a yearly basis, so it might be a good idea to
just check on that information before you actually go out and purchase your license.
So you can purchase your license either in-person or online.
You can do so through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at one of
their license’s sales offices as well.
Just please note that California Department of Fish and Wildlife offices do not accept
payments in cash, so you will need to bring your credit card with you.
You can also find fishing licenses at Walmart, Big 5 Sporting Goods, local tackle shops,
and any other licensed retailers as well.
If you lose your license, don’t worry, you can always buy a replacement either online
or at any California Department of Fish and Wildlife licenses sales offices.
And same goes for renewals, once your license expires, you can renew it online, again at
California Department of Fish and Wildlife or at one of their sales offices as well.
Alright, so hopefully this video helped answer some of your questions regarding California
fishing licenses.
For more information, you can always check out our full blog article to get the full
price break-downs as well as more details about each licensing category.
Now that you have everything you need, go on and get out there, fish the Golden State
waters responsibly, and more importantly be sure to have fun!