As a military member, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license when enjoying the great outdoors in California. The state’s regulations regarding fishing licenses for active-duty military personnel and veterans can be a bit confusing. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of California’s fishing license requirements for military members and provide you with the information you need to fish legally in the Golden State.
Residency Requirements for Military Members
According to California Fish and Game Code Section 70, a “resident” is defined as any person who has resided continuously in the state for six months or more immediately prior to the date of their application for a license or permit. However, this definition also includes “any person on active military duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or auxiliary branch thereof.”
What this means is that active-duty military members stationed in California, regardless of their state of residence, are considered residents for the purpose of obtaining a fishing license. They do not need to establish residency by living in the state for six months or more.
Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
While active-duty military members are considered residents for fishing license purposes, the state of California does offer reduced-fee fishing licenses for certain disabled veterans. According to the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), disabled veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. military and have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater are eligible for a reduced-fee sport fishing license, which costs $9.98.
To prequalify for this reduced-fee license, disabled veterans must submit a letter from the Veteran’s Administration documenting their eligibility. Once their eligibility is verified, their customer record will be updated, and they will be able to purchase the discounted license from any authorized license agent in California.
Recovering Service Members and Fishing Licenses
In addition to the reduced-fee license for disabled veterans, California also offers a reduced-fee sport fishing license for recovering service members. A recovering service member is defined as a member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to their military service.
The fee for a recovering service member’s sport fishing license is also $9.98. To qualify, the service member must submit a letter from their commanding officer or a military medical doctor verifying their eligibility. The letter should include the expected recovery date, which will be entered into the service member’s customer profile, allowing them to renew their license until that date without submitting another letter.
Free Fishing Days for All Anglers
Regardless of military status, California offers two free fishing days each year that allow anglers to fish without a license. These days are intended to encourage people to try recreational fishing and to introduce the sport to new participants. During these free fishing days, anglers can fish without a license, but they must still abide by all other regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, and fishing hours.
The dates for California’s free fishing days are announced annually by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). In 2024, the free fishing days are scheduled for July 6 and September 7.
Obtaining a Fishing License in California
For military members who do not qualify for the reduced-fee licenses or who wish to fish on days other than the free fishing days, a regular fishing license is required. Fishing licenses in California can be purchased online through the CDFW website, at any authorized license agent, or at one of the CDFW license sales offices.
The fees for fishing licenses vary depending on the type of license and the angler’s residency status. For 2024, the annual license fees are $54.74 for residents and $148.75 for nonresidents. Short-term licenses are also available, with fees ranging from $17.02 for a one-day license to $52.18 for a ten-day license.
It’s important to note that any fees paid for a fishing license are non-refundable, so anglers should carefully consider their plans before purchasing a license.
Protecting California’s Fisheries
The requirement for fishing licenses in California is not just a way to generate revenue for the state; it also plays a crucial role in protecting the state’s fisheries. The fees collected from fishing licenses are used by the CDFW to manage and conserve California’s fish and wildlife resources, ensuring that anglers can continue to enjoy fishing opportunities for generations to come.
In addition to purchasing a fishing license, anglers in California must also follow all applicable fishing regulations, such as bag limits, size limits, and gear restrictions. These regulations are designed to protect fish populations and maintain a healthy ecosystem.