CDFW will begin offering 365-day fishing licenses for 2023
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will begin selling 365-day fishing licenses much earlier than expected, thanks to extensive staff efforts to expedite sales. Beginning November 15, 2022, anglers in California will be able to purchase a 2023 fishing license which will take effect January 1, 2023 and will last for the entire year. All licenses purchased on or after January 1, 2023 will be effective from the date of purchase for 365 consecutive days.
“I am proud to announce that we are able to sell one-year licenses several months ahead of schedule,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “I applaud the staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this benefit to California anglers who have been applying for the 365-day license for a very long time.
Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) introduced AB 817 in February 2021, allowing a transition of California fishing license validity from one calendar year to 365 full days from the purchase. Prior to this change, anglers who purchased their license after New Year’s Day were charged the same price for fewer fishing days, and some are unwilling to pay the full price of a license when purchasing it later. in the year, resulting in fewer permit sales. . This change will allow anglers to receive 365 days of benefits after purchasing a license at any time of the year.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of CDFW staff, California will transition to our new 365-day fishing license even sooner than expected,” Wood said. “This license will encourage more Californians to fish and increase revenue from fishing licenses that fund critical state fishing and conservation programs. Making fishing more accessible really supports communities that depend on outdoor recreation and tourism, like my district in Northern California.
The idea, which has been discussed and desired by the California fishing community for many years, has been embraced by CDFW’s Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) initiative. The concept was developed with the stakeholders responsible for drafting the R3 initiative, including Wayne Kotow of the Coastal Conservation Association – California (CCA CAL).
“Providing a fishing license that offers greater value and incorporates 21st century technology is long overdue,” said Kotow, executive director of CCA CAL, sponsor of AB 817 which led to the new licensing option. “This is also an important step in implementing California’s R3 program, which aims to increase the number of anglers and other outdoor recreationists. We are thrilled that Assemblyman Wood’s persistence on this issue has paid off and we are proud to partner with CDFW in achieving this important milestone for California anglers.
CDFW’s R3 team works alongside partners and stakeholders, like CCA CAL, to create goals and strategies, and then implement changes that reduce barriers to participation in outdoor activities.
To purchase a fishing license, please visit CDFW’s online sales webpage. At checkout, there is an additional option to sign up for automatic fishing license renewal, which allows anglers to automatically purchase and receive their new license when their current license expires, so anglers in California never run out. a day of fishing!
Want to become a fisherman but don’t know where to start? Visit the CDFW R3 webpage to find the latest information on fishing programs, regulations, tutorials and additional resources. Be sure to check out California’s Wild Kitchen tab to see recipes for use on harvested fish as well as additional informational videos found in the R3 Harvest Huddle Hour (R3H3) section.
For more information, please visit the CDFW 365-Day Sport Fishing License Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Photo credit: © Donald Magahis, all rights reserved.
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Media Contact:
Taylor Williams, CDFW R3 Manager (916) 203-1362
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