Permit Required for Fishing Contests?

July 16, 2009

Question: Our club would like to hold a halibut derby in San Francisco Bay and we need information on permits. When and where are they needed and what are the requirements? Do we need a permit for a halibut derby in the Bay or are permits only needed for bass fishing? (Mark S.)

Answer: Permits are not required for fishing contests conducted in waters of the Pacific Ocean. Waters of the Pacific Ocean are defined in Section 27.00 of the Commission regulations to include all of San Francisco and San Pablo Bays west of the Carquinez Bridge. As long as all fishing is done in waters west of the Carquinez Bridge, you will not need a fishing contest permit.

For information on the requirements when holding fishing contests in inland waters, how to obtain fishing contest permits and for the actual permit application forms, please visit our Web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Fishing.

Sounds like a fun derby.

Sounds like a fun derby.

It's not a kayak derby!   

We kayak derby in the ocean.  We doan need no stinkin' permits.