California Free Fishing Day applies to both ocean and fresh-water locations.
Looking for something to do this Labor Day Weekend?
Saturday, September 5 happens to be one of two annual free fishing days offered by the the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The effort is meant to expose new anglers to the recreational sport. On these days, you can fish without a fishing license.
Local options in Santa Barbara include deep sea fishing out of Sea Landing, fresh-water fishing at Lake Cachuma or Lake Carneros, or shore-fishing in the ocean. Stearns Wharf and Goleta Pier are also options, although you don’t need a license to fish from these locations on any day of the year.
According to the CDFW website, free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try. Some CDFW Regions offer a Fishing in the City program where you can go fishing in the middle of major metropolitan areas perhaps just a few blocks from your home. Fishing in the City and free fishing day clinics are designed to educate novice anglers about fishing ethics, fish habits, effective methods for catching fish, and fishing tackle. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night.
All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. On Free Fishing Days, every angler must have the appropriate report card if they are fishing for (if applicable): abalone, steelhead, sturgeon, and spiny lobster.
The other day on which Californians don’t need to purchase a fishing license was July 4.
