Do I Need a Fishing License to Help My Child Fish in California in 2024?

As a parent or guardian, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license to assist your child while fishing in California. The good news is that children under the age of 16 do not require a fishing license to catch their own limit of fish in the state. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind when taking kids fishing in California in 2024.

Age Requirements and Exceptions

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), any person 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in California waters. However, children 15 years of age and younger are exempt from this requirement.

While children under 16 do not need a fishing license, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:

If fishing for sturgeon, abalone, lobster, or steelhead, children will need to purchase the appropriate report cards.
Children must follow all other fishing regulations, such as bag limits and size restrictions.
If fishing on a public pier, no fishing license is required for anyone, regardless of age.
On designated Free Fishing Days, no fishing license is required for anyone.

Assisting Your Child with Fishing

As a parent or guardian, you can assist your child with fishing, but there are some important guidelines to follow:

Your child should be the one actively fishing and attending to their rod. You can help with tasks like untangling lines and baiting hooks, but your child should be the one reeling in the fish.
If your child steps away from fishing to use the restroom or do something else, they must reel in their line and stop fishing at that point. You cannot continue fishing with their rod if they are not actively attending to it.
If you need to assume control of a rod to assist your child, you may want to consider purchasing a second-rod validation for your own license. This allows you to legally fish with two rods at once.

Fishing Licenses and Validations

While children under 16 do not need a fishing license, adults who wish to fish in California must purchase a valid fishing license. Licenses are available for various durations, including one-day, two-day, 10-day (for non-residents only), and annual licenses.

In addition to a basic fishing license, anglers may need to purchase additional validations or report cards depending on their target species and fishing location:

An Ocean Enhancement Validation is required to fish in ocean waters south of Point Arguello.
A Second Rod Validation allows anglers to fish with two rods in inland waters.
A Recreational Crab Trap Validation is required for taking crabs with crab traps.
Report cards are required for certain species, such as abalone, sturgeon, and salmon in specific rivers.

Fishing licenses and validations can be purchased online through the CDFW website, at CDFW license sales offices, or from authorized retailers such as sporting goods stores and bait and tackle shops.

Conclusion

Taking your child fishing in California can be a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories. By understanding the state’s fishing license requirements and regulations, you can ensure that your family fishing trips are both enjoyable and legal.

Remember, while children under 16 do not need a fishing license, they must follow all other fishing regulations and actively attend to their own rods. As a parent or guardian, you can assist your child with fishing tasks, but you may need to purchase a second-rod validation if you need to assume control of a rod.

By following these guidelines and purchasing the necessary licenses and validations, you can focus on the joy of fishing with your child and creating unforgettable experiences in California’s beautiful waterways.