fishing liscense CA

Question
I have looked all over the web and I still don't have an answer so I thought I would try all experts. I am in California and a close friend is coming to visit from the UK next spring. Shes never been fishing before. So I wanted to take her but, I don't  know how to she or I can get a License to use. She's only coming for about a week.

Answer
Good Morning Angela,

California licenses are available many places including some fishing destinations you may be considering. The sportfishing landings along the coast that offer "open party" boats all provide license service. In addition, most sporting goods retail stores sell them including Big5, Sport Chalet (southern CA.), The Sports Authority etc. and virtually all tackle shops and most concessions at any lakes you may be considering should also sell them.

The prices are unfortunately at an all-time high...

Resident Sport Fishing- Annual          $44.85
One-day Sport Fishing License, Res or non-res          $14.30
Two-day Sport Fishing License,  Res or non-res          $22.42
Ten-day Nonresident Sport Fishing License. Res or non-res      $44.85
*Ocean Enhancement Validation (Resident and Ten-Day)          $ 5.14
(included on the one and two-day sport fishing license).
*Second Rod Validation (Any but optional)          $13.78
*Colorado River Validation (All fishing in the Colorado River) $ 3.09

The Golden state has had license increases every year for nearly 40 years...disgusting in that we have only about 10% more Game Wardens than we had 50 years ago. The ONLY program that is (or was?) 100% dedicated dollars and actually makes a very positive impact on fishing, fish and the environment is the Ocean Enhancement Stamp...

The Annual Resident Sportfishing License isn't actually annual unless you buy it on Jan 1st...it will expire on December 31st no matter when it is purchased. If you would like to save your friend some time, you should be able to purchase the license for him/her with just a minimal amount of information, ahead of time.

But on the lighter side, the spring will be a great time to visit. I hope you will consider checking back with me to find some great places to fish and how to catch a bunch! Heck, I'll even throw in a wine pairing and a recipe or two!

Thanks again for the question...

Mark