New license required Saturday

There is no grace period in California if you're caught without one

Starting Saturday all fishermen in California are required to have a 2022 fishing license. The basic license will cost $54 in 2022 and that doesn’t include $17.02 for a second-rod stamp. While AB 817 was passed and signed by the governor, which allows the term of the license good one year from the date of purchase, it doesn’t take effect until 2023.

California has one of the highest fishing license fees in the nation and unlike most other states California doesn’t give a senior citizen a reduced fee for a license. Most other states only charge a person age 65 or older small fee, usually less than $20. California charges the full fee of $54.

While senior citizens do not get a break on the licence fee, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) does give a break to low-income seniors and a few qualified veterans and other citizens.

Any honorably-discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed

Forces with a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more can purchase a fishing license at a discounted rate of $8.24. However, proof of eligibility from the United States Veterans Administration or a copy of last year’s license is required.

A reduced-fee license can also be purchased by any person 65 years of age or older who is a resident of California and whose total monthly income from all sources does not exceed certain income levels ($943.72 for single persons or a combined $1,582.14 for married persons). Income verification from your Social Security office is required.

Use can obtain a free five-year fishing license if you have a central vision acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the aid of the best possible correcting glasses, or central vision acuity better than 20/200 if the widest diameter of the remaining visual field is no greater than 20 degrees. Certification of blindness by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist is required.

Any person who is a resident of the California and who is so severely physically disabled as to be permanently unable to move from place to place without the aid of a wheelchair, walker, forearm crutches or a comparable mobility-related device can also obtain a free license. Verification by a licensed physician or a copy of the previous year’s free fishing license is required. Many elderly residents of Lake County are eligible for this license.

Also eligible for a free oneyear fishing license is any American Indian or lineal descendant who is a resident of the state and whose total annual income does not exceed $12.490 for the head of the household, plus $4,420 for each additional family member living with them. Certification by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or proof of being on a tribal registry is required. Verification of income on Form FG371 is required.

Any developmentally disabled person can receive a free fishing license. Certification by person in charge of the regional center or a licensed physician is required.

To request an application for a free or reduced license, call (916) 9285805. You can also go online and email LRB@ wildlife.ca.gov. Give your name and mailing address and you will be sent an application. After you fill out and mail the application with the $8 fee, you will receive

your license in about two weeks.

The DFW also allows individuals to purchase a lifetime fishing license. The lifetime license fee for persons up to age 9 is $562.25; 10-39 years is $919; 40-61 years is $828; and 62 years and older $562.25.

All fishermen age 16 and older are required to have a 2022 fishing license starting on Saturday. There is no grace period and if you’re cited for not having one it could cost you up to $400 in fines.

The local DFW license agents can assist you in filling out the proper paperwork to obtain a reduced-fee or free license.