A Guide to All the Different California Commercial Fishing Permits

If you have ever attempted to fish commercially in California, then you probably know that there are several regulations in place that you’ll need to pay attention to. Here’s our comprehensive guide to California commercial fishing permits to help you out.

California Commercial Fishing Permit Categories

Of course, the thing about California commercial fishing permits is that there are a lot of different ones, and you will need to pay attention if you want to make sure you get the right one. Here, you can take a look at the different categories so that you know what to look for.

Fishing Licenses in California

There are three different types of commercial fishing licenses here in California. Here are the standards to keep in mind so that you can apply for the right one.

• Resident Commercial Fishing License ($171.24) – For any resident 16 years of age or older who uses or operates any boat, aircraft, net, trap, line, or other appliance to take fish for commercial purposes, or who contributes in some way to the activities on board a commercial fishing vessel.
• Nonresident Commercial Fishing License ($504.50) – For any resident 16 years of age or older who uses or operates any boat, aircraft, net, trap, line, or other appliance to take fish for commercial purposes, or who contributes in some way to the activities on board a commercial fishing vessel.
• Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel License ($443.50) – For any boat from which persons are allowed to sport fish for a fee.

Commercial Stamps

Another type of California commercial fishing permit is a stamp, which also comes with very specific guidelines for whom they are from. Here are the indications.

• Commercial Fishing Salmon Stamp ($87.55) – For any legal adult who: renews a salmon vessel permit; takes salmon for commercial purposes; or is on board a vessel on which salmon are being taken or transported for commercial purposes.
• “John Doe” Commercial Fishing Salmon Stamp ($87.55) – For use on a particular vessel (can’t be transferred from vessel to vessel). The commercial fisher whose name is listed on the “John Doe” Commercial Fishing Salmon Stamp is the designated crewmember and exempt from having a commercial fishing salmon stamp. Only one licensed commercial fisher can be designated as a crewmember for each fishing trip.
• Commercial Ocean Enhancement Stamp ($63.60 ) – Required for commercial passenger fishing vessels operating south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County). Any commercial fisherman who takes, possesses aboard a commercial fishing vessel or lands any white sea bass south of Point Arguello.

Fishing Vessel and Aircraft Registration

Beyond the California commercial fishing permits, there are different kinds of documentation for the vessels themselves, which are of particular importance for any commercial fishing vehicle. 

• Commercial Boat Registration (Resident) ($443.509) – For any resident owner or operator of any vessel operated in public waters in connection with fishing operations for profit in California; or which, for profit, permits persons to sport fish.
• Commercial Boat Registration (Nonresident) ($1,315.75) – For any nonresident owner or operator of any vessel operated in public waters in connection with fishing operations for profit in California; or which, for profit, permits persons to sport fish.
• Commercial Aircraft Registration ($356.75) – Required for any owner or operator of an aircraft operated in the airspace above public waters in connection with fishing operations for profit in California.

File For Your Fishing Permits

Given all the different kinds of permits, licenses, and stamps available for both residents and non-residents, it’s understandable that the application process can get confusing or complicated. Don’t worry, though, because that’s what the Federal Commercial Fishing Permits Center is here for. Our team can help you with any application process so that you can easily submit it to the corresponding authorities and receive the permit that you need. For more information about this process, or to inquire about any of the applications, feel free to reach out to us via phone or email. We are here to make it all easier for you.