Question: I live in an apartment complex that sits on Seal Slough in
the San Francisco Bay Area. Do I need a fishing license to fish off of
the shore while standing on the apartment property with my child, who is
under 16?

Answer: Yes, you will need a license but your child will not. Anyone 16
years or older must possess a valid California fishing license in order
to legally fish the public waters of the state. The only exceptions are
the two free fishing days offered each year by the state, and fishing
from a public pier in ocean waters.

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at [email protected].