Trading Sport-caught Fish

August 27, 2020

Question: Can I legally trade bluefin tuna caught on a charter boat? This would be a personal trade to someone for fishing gear. (Chad)

Answer: No, it is not legal to trade sport-caught fish for fishing gear. California Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 7121 specifically prohibits selling or purchasing sport-caught fish – and the definition of “sell” includes to barter, exchange or trade (FGC, section 75).