California is well-known for its world-class fishing experience. From San Diego to Lake Tahoe, it offers a variety of fishing spots for anglers. The diverse fish varieties and scenery are not the only reasons that attract numerous fishing enthusiasts to the Golden State. You can plan both saltwater and the best freshwater fishing trips in California! Make sure you have a California fishing license to enjoy this trip. If it is your first time fishing in California, you might have some questions, like, where can I get a fishing permit? How many kinds of licenses are there? Read on to get the answers.
Who requires a fishing license in California?
Whether you are planning freshwater or saltwater fishing trips in California, everyone who is 16 and above needs to procure a California fishing license. Resident or non-resident, this rule applies to everyone. However, there are some exceptions:
- On Free Fishing Days, a permit is not necessary
- You can fish on public piers without a license
- Those under the age of 16 don’t need to have a license, but they need a report card for certain fish species.
Where to buy a fishing license?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) provides sportfishing licenses. You can procure them online or directly through their sales office, but remember that cash payments are not acceptable in the CDFW offices. You can also buy it from Walmart, local fisheries shops, and licensed retailers.
- Lost license replacement
Lost your fishing license? No reason to worry. The CDFW issues a replacement online and in their license sales office.
Additional Requirements
Report Cards
To fish certain fish species in California, like Steelhead, Spiny Lobster, and Sturgeon, an angler must carry a valid report card. Anglers fishing for salmon in Klamath, Trinity, and Smith Rivers should have a North Coast Salmon report card. It is mandatory to carry a report card for these species, regardless of the exceptional case scenarios.
Second Rod Validation
Anglers who want to use two rods or lines to fish in the inland waters need a Second Rod Validation.
Ocean Enhancement Validation
An Ocean Enhancement Validation permits anglers to fish in waters south of Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County. It also includes One- and two-day sportfishing licenses.
Are you making plans for freshwater or saltwater fishing trips in California? Dupe A Fish can help you with that.
Author: Christian Bacasa
Dupe a Fish, LLC.
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