Do you need a fishing license to fish off the pier in California? - Project Sports
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Do you need a fishing license to fish off the pier in California?

3 min read

Asked by: Amanda Smith

No. A fishing license is required when fishing everywhere except for a public pier. Even if you hooked the fish on the pier and only came down onto the beach to land the fish, you would need a valid license to avoid a potential citation.

Is it legal to fish from a pier in California?

If you’re fishing from a public pier in California, you don’t need a fishing license. However, if you’re 16 or older, you must have a fishing license to fish off a private pier, or any other part of the Californian coast. You should also know that California offers a few days in the year when you can fish for free.

Where can I fish in California without a license?

(Doug P.) Answer: In California you can legally fish without a fishing license from public ocean piers and from the most seaward jetty of the harbor. Finfish may be caught by hook and line and crabs and lobsters by hoop nets from public piers and jetties, depending upon the area of the state where you are fishing.

Can you fish from shore in California?

Fishing in the ocean from the beach anywhere in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County requires a fishing license if you are aged 16 or older. Start by getting a “GO ID” online and it is pretty easy from there. Note that fishing from a public pier in California does not require a permit.

Do you need a fishing license at the beach in California?

The brief answer is yes. Anyone 16 years of age or older must have a license to fish off California beaches. This applies to both state residents and non-residents and regardless of the time of day or season you go fishing.

Do you need a fishing license on a pier?

Even though a fishing license is not required on a public pier, all other regulations (including minimum size, bag limits, report cards, and seasons) apply while fishing from a public pier.

How can I get a free fishing license in California?

Free sport fishing licenses in California are available to: Low Income Native Americans. Mobility Impaired, Blind or Developmentally Disabled Individuals.



These include:

  1. Disabled Veterans.
  2. Recovering Service Members.
  3. Low Income Seniors.


How do you fish on a pier?


Almost all Southern California piers. And one is that the inshore. From the surf line to about a third of the way out. Is where you have to cut your surf fish.

How much does a California fishing license cost?

Annual Sport Fishing Licenses

Title Fee
Resident Sport Fishing $54.00
Nonresident Sport Fishing $145.80
Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Disabled Veteran $8.24 at CDFW Offices $8.64 from License Agents
Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Recovering Service Member $8.24 at CDFW Offices $8.64 from License Agents

What day is free fishing day in California?

Free Fishing Days for 2022 are Saturday, July 2 and Saturday, September 3.

How much is a fishing license in California 2021?

$52.66

(Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, license sales counters at CDFW offices remain temporarily closed to the public.) The cost of a 2021 annual resident fishing license has been set at $52.66, while a one-day license will cost $17.02.

How much does a fishing license cost at Walmart in California?

How much does Walmart charge for a fishing license? For residents and visitors that need to purchase a fishing license for one-day fishing, the price of the license is $11. If visitors want to purchase an annual fishing license, the price in Walmart is $40.