Multi-day Fishing Permits

June 16, 2022

Question: I’m going out fishing overnight and heard that I can get a multi-day permit that allows me to keep more than one bag limit of fish. How does that work?

Answer: If you’re planning to be offshore fishing for more than one calendar day, it is possible to obtain a multi-day fishing permit. Requirements are spelled out in section 27.15 of the 2022-23 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. The “Declaration for Multi-Day Fishing Trip(PDF)(opens in new tab)” application form is only allowed for fishing trips that are continuous and extend for a period of 12 hours or more on both the first and last days of the trip. Also, no berthing or docking is permitted within five miles of the mainland shore during the trip. The form must be completed by the vessel’s owner or operator and submitted with payment of $7.21 to CDFW (see contact info below). The form must be received at least 48 hours prior to the date of the vessel’s departure. There is currently no option for submitting the form via email.

Depending on the length of the trip, the permit authorizes up to three daily bag and possession limits of saltwater fin fish, lobster and rock scallop for each licensed person fishing in ocean waters. No person may take more than one daily bag limit of fish per calendar day and the provisions of the permit do not apply to salmon, steelhead, striped bass or sturgeon take and possession limits. There’s also a requirement that passengers must all disembark at the location stated on the multi-day permit. Additionally, the permit must be posted in view for all passengers onboard the boat.

More information on the process, requirements and links to download forms can be found on CDFW’s website. Application forms can be faxed with a credit card payment authorization (PDF)(opens in new tab) to (562) 596-0342 or mailed to CDFW’s Marine Region at 4665 Lampson Ave., Suite C, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.