California Salt Water Fishing Regulations

General license requirements for salt water fishing in California are guided by residency, age, and types of fishing. To qualify under the residency requirement, you must be a resident of the state for six months prior to applying, an active member of the military, or a Job Corp participants. If you are blind, physically or developmentally disabled, or an American Indian meeting income criteria, then you will be eligible for a free fishing license.



A license is good for one year from the date of issuance. The application includes attribute classifications such as name, address, date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color, and sex. You must possess a license if you want to fish in any waters, unless you are fishing off a public dock or pier. There are different licenses or stamps required for fishing in specific areas and for certain species. Everyone fishing, whether a license is required or not, needs to maintain a fishing report card for abalone, spiny lobster, and sturgeon.



You must properly display your license on your clothing or somewhere on your body that is visible and in plain sight. If diving off a boat or from the shore, you must have your license on the boat or within 500 yards of the shore.



Lastly, there are no refunds for licenses. However, you can sell your license to another person. This purchaser must fill out the paperwork that will identify them as the new license holder.

Ocean Sport Fishing is very popular in California. Since it covers an enormous area, the California Department of Fish and Game divided the ocean into seven districts: Oregon Border to the 40° 10' Line, The 40° 10' Line Point Arena, Point Arena to Pigeon Point, Pigeon Point to Lopez Point, Lopez Point to Point Conception, Point Conception to the Mexican Border, and the San Francisco Bay District.



There are numerous guidelines and regulations supporting Ocean Sport Fishing. For more detailed information you can check out Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations.

Commercial fishing in California is responsible for putting millions of dollars into the California economy. The commercial fishing industry is regulated by laws set forth by the state and the federal government. All ships used for commercial fishing must be registered. In addition, all personnel on the ship must be in possession of a fishing license.



Commercial Fishing also falls under county and regional laws and statutes as well. The four regions are identified as Northern California, North-Central California, Central California and Southern California. For more information on commercial fishing in California, you can look on Commercial Ocean Fishing.