New Year”s Day means that it”s time to purchase a new fishing license and like everything else the price of a California fishing license will go up. Starting in 2008 the basic license will be $38.85.
If you want to fish with a second rod it will cost another $12.10. A steelhead report card will cost $6.05 and if you want to dive for abalone you will have to buy a special punch card for $18.65.
All fishermen 16 years and older are required to have a 2008 fishing license starting on Tuesday, 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.
The good news is that many fishermen will qualify for a reduced-fee license for only $6 or even a free one. 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: $856 for single persons, or $1,502 for married persons (combined income), any honorably-discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces will qualify 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 five-year fishing license if:
? They 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 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 one-year fishing license is any American Indian or lineal descendant who is a resident of the state and whose total annual income does not exceed $10,210 for the head of the household, plus $3,480 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.
For those who only plan to fish only one or two days a year you can buy a one-day license for $12.60 or a two-day for $19.75. The DFG also allows individuals to purchase a lifetime fishing license. The lifetime license fee for persons aged 0-9 years is $432.50, 10-39 years is $710.75, 40-61 years is $639.75 and for 62 years and older it”s $432.50.
All fishermen 16 years and older are required to have a 2008 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.
