Do You Need a Fishing License in California for Catch and Release in 2024?

In California, anyone 16 years of age or older must possess a valid sport fishing license when taking any fish, mollusk, invertebrate, or crustacean, with a few exceptions. This includes catch and release fishing, as the definition of “take” in the Fish and Game Code includes “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill”.

Exceptions to the Fishing License Requirement

There are a couple of exceptions to the fishing license requirement in California:

Fishing from public piers: You do not need a fishing license if you are fishing from a public pier in ocean or bay waters for non-commercial purposes.
Free fishing days: California offers two free fishing days each year where anyone can fish without a license. The dates for these free fishing days are announced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

It’s important to note that even if you are exempt from needing a fishing license, you still need to follow all other fishing regulations such as size and catch limits.

Types of Fishing Licenses in California

California offers several types of fishing licenses to accommodate different needs:

Annual licenses: These are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase and are available for both residents and non-residents.
Short-term licenses: One-day, two-day, and ten-day licenses are available for non-residents.
Reduced-fee and free licenses: Certain groups such as low-income seniors, disabled veterans, and Native Americans meeting certain criteria can obtain reduced-fee or free fishing licenses.
Lifetime licenses: Lifetime licenses are available for residents at different price points based on age.

License fees are used by the state to manage fish and wildlife resources and provide fishing opportunities. Licenses can be purchased online through the CDFW website, from license agents throughout the state, or at CDFW license sales offices.

Importance of Fishing Licenses for Conservation

Fishing licenses play a crucial role in conservation efforts. The revenue generated from license sales goes towards maintaining and improving fish populations and their habitats. By purchasing a fishing license, anglers contribute to the sustainability of fish populations and ensure that future generations can enjoy fishing.

In addition to a fishing license, it’s important to follow all other fishing regulations such as size and catch limits, fishing seasons, and gear restrictions. This helps protect fish populations and ensures that fishing remains a sustainable activity.

In conclusion, if you plan on fishing in California, even if it’s catch and release, you’ll need a fishing license with a few exceptions. Fishing licenses are an important part of conservation efforts and help protect fish populations for the enjoyment of current and future anglers.