Do you have to have a license to guide on the ocean?

Just wondering. Thanks.

 It looks like it:
"Any resident who engages in the business of guiding or packing, or who acts as a guide for any consideration or compensation at all, must first secure a guide license from the Department."

§46. Guide Boat
“Guide boat” means a boat or vessel under 25 feet in length, which is used by a guide, who is licensed under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2535) of Division 3, in inland waters for any of the following purposes:
(1) For the business of packing or guiding.
(2) For compensation, to assist another person in taking or attempting to take any fish or amphibian.
(3) For compensation, to assist another person in locating any bird or mammal.


https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=35186&inline

Beside the $150 license fee, there's a bond proof of $1000 or more too.

§2541. Surety Bond Proof and Amount
Each applicant for a guide license shall submit
proof of having obtained a surety bond in the
amount of not less than one thousand dollars
($1,000) which shall insure faithful performance
of the guide and his or her agents or employees
in fulfilling their responsibilities to their clients.
No guide license shall be issued to any
applicant who does not submit proof of having a
bond which is valid for the term of the license.

only if you charge money. you can take me out for free without a license.

only if you charge money. you can take me out for free without a license.

I work for Taco 

only if you charge money. you can take me out for free without a license.

I work for Taco 

Most of us work for tacos 

only if you charge money. you can take me out for free without a license.

I work for Taco 

Most of us work for tacos 

I’d work for Taco Shack or CdM tacos. I’d make tacos for a CD guided trip. 

Thanks guys. Let’s do tacos at the fort!!!!  Oh wait......  lol. Seriously tho there are some folks on the Sonoma coast who are charging for guide services with no license. I wasn’t sure Exactly what you needed to have in order to run a legit kayak guide service.

Tacos at the fort when it opens then!!!! 

only if you charge money. you can take me out for free without a license.

I work for Taco 

Most of us work for tacos 

And peanuts☺️

Those guides that are not legit do not have a DFG license nor Bond insurance can and should be reported to DFG.   They are not operating with in the law and take business and money away from good guides who operate with in the law.   They are a liability on and off the water.   No insurance no safety training, if something goes wrong unknowing customers are going to get hurt or die.  They are no different than poachers.   They are poaching business from honest guides trying to feed their families.   Call it in 1-888-334-2258.   You can go to DFG website and check online to see if a guide is listed.   If not listed-not a guide.   

7th year with one of these.

It's about $220 plus $50 for the bond.  That's it - there are no other requirements like insurance or training or even showing anyone you know WTF you're doing!   

I've got about 300 trips logged including naturalist tours to check out habitat or watch salmon spawn.  The vast majority are fishing trips by kayak - mostly Shelter Cove.

That is awesome Eric.   Working doing something you love and are passionate about, never seems like work.   What a gift you are sharing with others and by planting the seeds and watering them they will come back as many blessings.   Keep up the good work.   

What is an average rate you charge as a guide? Say I want you to take me fishing for rockfish. 6am-12pm on the water. What does that cost?

7th year with one of these.

It's about $220 plus $50 for the bond.  That's it - there are no other requirements like insurance or training or even showing anyone you know WTF you're doing!   

I've got about 300 trips logged including naturalist tours to check out habitat or watch salmon spawn.  The vast majority are fishing trips by kayak - mostly Shelter Cove.

Ok....Morris.

Those guides that are not legit do not have a DFG license nor Bond insurance can and should be reported to DFG.   They are not operating with in the law and take business and money away from good guides who operate with in the law.   They are a liability on and off the water.   No insurance no safety training, if something goes wrong unknowing customers are going to get hurt or die.  They are no different than poachers.   They are poaching business from honest guides trying to feed their families.   Call it in 1-888-334-2258.   You can go to DFG website and check online to see if a guide is listed.   If not listed-not a guide.   

Thank you for your support.

Bushy