Yes, in California, anyone aged 16 or older must have a valid sport fishing license to fish in ocean waters, whether from a boat or a pier. However, there are specific public piers where fishing is allowed without a license. Check if the pier you plan to visit qualifies for this exemption. Additional validations or report cards may also be required for certain species and areas.
Types of Fishing Licenses and Fees
California offers several types of fishing licenses to cater to different needs:
• 365-Day Sport Fishing Licenses: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
• Short-Term Sport Fishing Licenses:
• Lifetime Fishing Licenses: Fees vary based on age at the time of purchase.
These fees are current as of 2025 and may be subject to change. Always check the CDFW website for the latest fees and regulations.
Reduced-Fee and Free Sport Fishing Licenses
California provides options for reduced-fee and free fishing licenses for eligible individuals:
• Disabled Veteran Sport Fishing License: Available to honorably discharged veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability.
–> Fees: $9.79 at CDFW offices, $10.29 from license agents.
• Recovering Service Member Sport Fishing License: Available to recovering service members of the U.S. military.
–> Fees: $9.79 at CDFW offices, $10.29 from license agents.
• Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License for Low-Income Seniors: Available to California residents aged 65 or older who receive SSI or CAPI.
–> Fee: $9.79
• Free Sport Fishing License for Low-Income Native Americans: Available to Native American residents who are financially unable to pay the license fee.
• Free Sport Fishing License for Mobility Impaired, Blind, or Developmentally Disabled Individuals: Available to eligible individuals.
To apply, you’ll need to provide appropriate documentation. Detailed application procedures are available on the CDFW website.
How to Purchase Your Fishing License
SOURCE LINK : California Department of Fish and Wildlife
You can purchase your fishing license in several ways:
• https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales : Buy your license through the CDFW’s online license sales portal. After purchasing, print a temporary license for immediate use until your official license arrives by mail.
• https://wildlife.ca.gov/Organization/LRB: Licenses are available at CDFW License Sales Offices and authorized license agents, like sporting goods stores and bait shops. CDFW offices do not accept cash; payments can be made via check, money order, or debit/credit cards with Visa or Mastercard logos.
Reprinting Your License
If you lose or damage your license, you can obtain a duplicate:
• Online: Log in to your CDFW online account to reprint your license.
• In Person: Visit a CDFW License Sales Office or an authorized license agent.
A small fee may apply for duplicate licenses.
Residency Information
A resident is defined as any person who has resided continuously in California for six months or more immediately before applying for a license, any person on active military duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, or any person enrolled in the Job Corps. Proof of residency may be required when purchasing a license.
Additional Considerations
While a sport fishing license allows you to fish in California’s ocean waters, specific species and areas may require additional validations or report cards. For instance, an Ocean Enhancement Validation is needed when fishing south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County), and a Spiny Lobster Report Card is required for those taking spiny lobsters.
SOURCE LINK : California Department of Fish and Wildlife
