Starting on Jan. 1 anyone who plans on fishing in the state will need a new fishing license. This year the cost of a license will set you back $37.30. Whereas that may seem high, there is a program where the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will issue licenses for a reduced fees for certain individuals.
The good news is that a lot of Lake County residents qualify for a reduced-fee license for only $5.50, or even a free license. That is if you meet certain requirements.
A reduced-fee license can 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 the income levels below. Income Verification from your Social Security office is required:?
? $836 for single persons;
? $1,472 for married persons (combined income); or
? Any honorably-discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more. Proof of eligibility from the United States Veterans Administration or a copy of last year”s license is required.
The following persons can obtain a free fishing license:
? A person 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 state 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. Verification by a licensed physician or a copy of the previous year”s free fishing license is required.
Also eligible for a free fishing license is any American Indian or lineal descendant who is a resident of the state and whose total annual income does not exceed $9,800 for the head of the household, plus $3,400 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) 928-8322. You can also go online and e-mail LRB@dfg.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 $5.50 fee, you will receive your license in about two weeks.
Unlike many other states, California doesn”t have a reduced license for senior citizens. In other words if you”re a senior citizen but don”t fall in the low income category then you have to pay the full fee.
For those that plan to fish only one or two days a year you can buy a one-day license for $12 or a two-day for $18.75.
The DFG also allows individuals to purchase a lifetime fishing license. The lifetime license fee for persons aged 0-9 years is $414.75; 10-39 years is $681.75; 40-61 years is $613.50 and for 62 years and older it”s $414.75.
All fishermen 16 years and older are required to have a 2007 fishing license starting on Jan. 1. There is no grace period and if you”re cited for not having one it could cost you up to $400 in fines.
Terry Knight can be reached at tknight3021@ sbcglobal.net or by calling (707) 263-1699. Letters intended for publication that respond to Mr. Knight”s column can be sent to news@clearlakeobserver. com.
