If you have got an old fishing rod in your closet just gathering dust since you don't have a fishing license, now could be the time to dig it out. This Saturday, July 6, is Free Fishing Day across California — which means you don't need a fishing license, just the need to search out a hole to throw a bobber into.
“For anyone new to fishing, this is an opportunity to discover a rewarding and exciting new hobby,” writes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “For licensed anglers, this is an opportunity to introduce or re-introduce someone else to the joys of fishing. The free fishing days are also a perfect opportunity for former anglers to return and get back into the activity.”
But that doesn't mean it's going to be the Wild West on Saturday with people scooping up a great deal of wriggling fish. All regulations regarding fishing times, bag and size limits, reporting requirements, river closures and kit restrictions remain in effect. For more information on fishing rules in California, visit the Wildlife Department's website (wildlife.ca.gov/regulations).
Don't know where to go? The department has several useful guides – especially for those living in urban areas – to fishing grounds. Here are some to get you began:
• Interactive map showing locations which have been good fishing spots up to now and locations where fish have recently been released (stocked): apps.wildlife.ca.gov/fishing
• A guide to California's Urban Fishing program, which incorporates videos to learn to fish and fishing spots by county: (wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing-in-the-City/SF)
• A listing and zoomable map of California's public piers, jetties and breakwaters: wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Beach-Fishing
• Fish species you would possibly search for in California: wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland
• And if you desire to do more fishing in the longer term, you’ll be able to get your annual license here: ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales
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