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How to Catch Fish Fishing Gear & Tackle Fishing with Lures Fishing with Live Bait Fishing Knots and Rigs Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing View All

Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fishing Tackle & Knots Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Species When to Saltwater Fish View All

Types of Freshwater Fishing Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Bait and Lures Freshwater Fishing FAQ Learn About Freshwater Fish Species When to Freshwater Fish View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Get a California Fishing License

California offers a number of different fishing license options including short-term and annual licenses. Learn more about the different types of licenses available, and then purchase a California fishing license online or from a license agent, like a sporting good store. Fishing licenses help pay for fishery conservation education and other valuable programs. Please note that California does not require a fishing license when fishing on a public pier.

CALIFORNIA FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

California has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to preserve and protect the state’s fish populations. You will want to check the current fishing regulations prior to each fishing trip since these regulations are subject to change. There are two sets of fishing regulations for the state of California, one for freshwater and another for saltwater.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

When you purchase a California fishing license, the fees help fund a number of state conservation programs such as: fishery management, habitat protection, and fishing education. You can do your part to help with conservation efforts by respecting our resources and following some simple fishing etiquette tips.

Fishing reel from a charter fishing boat on the ocean

CALIFORNIA FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION

You can purchase a California fishing license online or from a license agent, like a sporting good store.
A sport fishing license is required for any person 16 years of age and older.
Fishing licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 every year.