Question: A group of friends and I are planning to take a trip on their yacht, basically sailing up and down the coast and visiting some of the small islands along the way. A couple of us like to fish but aren't sure of what regulations will apply to us if were fishing outside of state waters. Do we have to have a fishing license if we are fishing more than three miles from shore? Ive heard something about the coastal three nautical mile limit but want to be sure we have our ducks lined up before we launch. Thanks for your help.

Answer: Yes. California sport fishing licenses are required even when fishing outside of California waters if the vessel you're fishing from is registered in California, or if your trip either begins or ends in California waters.

The only time you will not need a California license is if your boat is not registered in California and your trip originates in another state or country, AND you never come into California waters to fish or to conduct commerce (e.g. purchase fuel, food or other goods.) This includes the offshore islands that are considered a part of California (e.g. Farallon Islands, Channel Islands, etc.)

In addition, species that are illegal to possess in California are also generally prohibited from being imported into California. Fish and wildlife cannot be imported into California unless legally taken and possessed outside of the state (Fish and Game Code, Section 2353).